In June 2005 Cabinet directed the Ministry of Works and Engineering to phase in the introduction of Land Title Registration concentrating initially on registration of the Government estate and then extending it to include registration of private land. The Land Title Registry Office (LTRO) has been set up as part of the division of Lands, Buildings and Surveys and is tasked with taking the Land Title Registration initiative forward in the coming years.

Land has been described as the ultimate source of wealth and economic success. Given the finite nature of this resource here in Bermuda it is the responsibility of Government to ensure that it is managed, traded and utilized in an efficient and effective manner in order for it to be of benefit to both current and future generations. The Government is of the firm belief that the introduction of a system of Land Title registration that is both integral to and supportive of Government’s wider land management strategy, will assist in the achievement of this objective.

We are therefore introducing a system of Land Title Registration based upon current international best practice, is appropriate for Bermuda, has the confidence of all stakeholders and users and takes advantage of opportunities afforded by the deployment of modern technology.

A great deal of progress has already been made. A small team has been recruited of professionals with experience and skills in the areas of land registration, law and surveying. The LTRO is now accommodated in Victoria Hall in Hamilton and an Information System already deployed in Antigua is being adapted to suit Bermuda’s cultural needs.

In order to create a modern and efficient system of Land Title Registration to fit Bermuda, we need to gather the views and inputs of all stakeholders in the real estate market. The first stage of this process is the publication of a public consultation document. The document sets out in broad terms how it is envisaged that Land Title Registration will operate and the areas that new legislation will have to cover. There are of course many areas where detailed decisions about how Land Title Registration will finally operate have yet to be made; it is in these areas that we are seeking input. We are addressing a wide audience with different interests and expertise and welcome all responses.

A copy of the public consultation document may be downloaded here or picked up in person from the Land Title Registry Office, 3^rd Floor, Victoria Hall, 11 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM11, tel. 294 9260, email landtitleregistryoffice@gov.bm

The closing date for responses is the 15^th June 2007.