Land Titles Register of Dominica
The Land Titles Register, maintained by the Registry Division within the Ministry of National Security, is the official record of all registered land titles issued under the Title by Registration Act (TRA). Located at the Registry Building on Bayfront, Roseau, the Register serves as the authoritative source of land ownership, encumbrances, and historical transactions. It functions alongside the general Registry Division, which handles public records such as deeds, births, and marriages.
Function and Governance
Established by the Title by Registration Act No. 8 of 2018, the Registry Division oversees applications for first certificates of title, transfers, mortgages, leases, caveats, and boundary adjustments. Staff administratively verify documentation, maintain survey records, and manage the Land Titles Register, ensuring every registered parcel has an official record. The Registrar of Titles is empowered to supervise operations and ensure compliance with legal procedures before finalizing registration.
Although digital modernization is underway, the system remains largely paper-based. Certified copies of title documents and register entries are issued upon request, and public access is granted for searches. Registered documents include detailed land plans, historical title chains, and any encumbrances or exemptions noted at registration.
Legal Significance and Practical Role
The Register provides legal certainty via indefeasible title, as granted certificates are recognized as conclusive evidence of ownership under the TRA. It also gives notice of outstanding rights, such as mortgages, covenants, or existing adverse possession claims. Courts, conveyancing attorneys, and financial institutions frequently consult the Register to establish land status and legitimacy prior to transfers or development.
The Land Titles Assurance Fund, closely linked to the Register’s operations, provides compensation when title is wrongfully affected due to registrational errors or fraud. Administratively, the Register ensures that such contingencies are traceable and that affected parties have legal recourse.
