Legal Affairs Minister Peter Taylor has advised the law fraternity to properly investigate all documents relating to deeds before they are filed. "It is a common problem that has arisen in Tobago and it is a matter upon which we would have to deliberate. When I say 'we,' the Legal Aid and Advisory Authority, in some detail," he said.
He said there were instances where people had been living on parcels of land for decades and other people show up suddenly claiming ownership of the land.
"We have recognised that for a very long time. Tobago has had very peculiar problems insofar as it relates to land and the acquisition of their titles," Taylor said.
He said one of the things that contributed to the problem for acquiring lands was a tradition of Tobago nationals handing down or passing on their lands to the younger generation. "Tobago has a tradition of passing land down from family to family, without proper registration, and in many cases, wills would not have been probated. In many cases, letters of administration would not have been applied for," Taylor said. He said there were three pieces of land legislation that have to be amended and once this takes place, the next step is for it to be laid in Parliament.
