Lands Commission moves to establish register

Jan 30, 2018 News

Newly sworn Land Surveyors (standing) with Minister of State Joseph Harmon (Second from left), GL&SC chairman Trevor Benn and officials of the Commission following the ceremony yesterday.

…as eight new surveyors sworn in
The importance of certified and trained personnel at the level of land distribution cannot be overstated. This fact was highlighted as eight new land surveyors were commissioned yesterday at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) Headquarters, Durban Backlands.
During the official ceremony, Minister of State Joseph Harmon noted that the skills acquired by land surveyors aid in every aspect of national development. He said that surveyors should be able to provide an honest service and observe the guidelines set out by the GL&SC.
“Land Surveying is an exact science,” he stated, adding that accuracy is important to avoid issues with demarcation in relation to land ownership via transport, leases and titles.
In his remarks to a gathering of GL&SC staff, State officials and media operatives present at the swearing in ceremony, Commissioner of the GL&SC Trevor Benn noted that more than half of the work outlined in the Land Surveyors Act requires the help of trained and qualified land surveyors.
Benn said that this year, steps will be taken to have all Land surveyors (both public and private) registered via the agency.
He said that it is pertinent to ensuring that the legal requirements of the Land Surveyors Act are followed. In addition, Benn said that all new surveyors trained by the agency must undergo a period of internship with experienced surveyors before they are certified.
Benn said that at present GL&SC is collaborating with the Government Technical Institute, (GTI) and the University of Guyana with regard to courses related to land administration.
This, he said, is also part of a wider strategy to enhance the programme. The introduction of Mathematics classes is also expected to assist with the process, the GL&SC Commissioner posited.
Benn explained that performance in this subject area remains low.
It was also pointed out that new subject areas were also introduced as part of the requirements.
Meanwhile, work is currently ongoing on the Land Surveyors, (Profession) Act, which is slated for Parliament.
Over the years, the GL&SC has been working to fill the demand for professionals to meet the land development needs of the public and private sectors. As a result of the high demand for surveyors, there have been many complaints of the quality of work.
However, the need for the expertise is equally important as the need for improved regulation of their work and procedure.
The Act seeks to establish a board of land surveyors that will be tasked with managing the profession, effectively. The Board will also be responsible for putting the necessary arrangements in place so as to ensure that land surveyors are properly trained and certified.

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