Dear Editor,
The President boldly criticizes the judiciary, and Minister of Home Affairs has stated openly that the victims of crimes are not getting justice from the judicial system.
I am waiting patiently for someone in the administration to make some pronouncement about the Land Registry in New Amsterdam.
This has to be one of the greatest sources of embarrassment for this administration. This registry is a source of unending frustration for many unfortunate persons who have to do business with it.
An uncle of mine who resides overseas, appointed me his power of attorney to sell his land. I approached our family lawyer in January 2007 and the necessary paper work was done. The lawyer informed me that the process would take about 3 months.
I paid all the outstanding bills, obtained a certificate of compliance, and the necessary documents were filed in the registry.
This lawyer has done several transactions for myself and family in the past, and I have found him to be competent and efficient.
Three months came and went and the title was not passed. My lawyer informed me that the delays were caused by the registry. Six months went by and yet there was no progress. I made several visits to the registry but I was told that the person I needed to speak to was not at work and his superior is in Georgetown. In short nothing could be done.
My uncle was getting impatient and the person who bought the property began to make all kinds of allegations. I lost confidence in my lawyer, told him off and requested all my documents and consulted another lawyer who advised me that he is also experiencing the same problems with the registry and that some titles have been filed over one year ago and those who complain are victimized. With no alternative I had to eat humble pie and return to my family lawyer. He has recently informed me that the compliance has to be renewed and that the rates and taxes have to be paid for this year.
The gentleman who purchased the property is saying that he has been robbed and is demanding a refund of the monies he paid or else he will sue me.
What I would like to know is who is responsible for the functioning of this registry? This person has a lot of explaining to do. I am begging the administration to investigate what goes on at the New Amsterdam Land Registry.
Yours faithfully,
Dhanraj Beepat
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Registrar of Deeds, Ms Carolyn Paul, for any comments she may wish to make.
