Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs
Legislative Framework
The Valuation of Land Act was amended by Act No. 17 of 2009, empowering the Commissioner of Valuations to assess properties using an Annual Rental Value (ARV) system and validating the use of this system for property valuations between 1970 and 2009. Prior to this amendment, valuations were conducted using a site valuation system.
Further amendments were introduced through Acts No. 5 of 2018 and No. 21 of 2022, which, among other provisions, established a Valuation Tribunal and required certain State agencies to provide relevant information to the Commissioner of Valuations to support the valuation process.
Professional Standards
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All professional staff within the Valuation Division are members of the Institute and adhere to internationally recognised standards established by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, in addition to the professional guidelines set by the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago.
Role of the Commissioner of Valuations
The Commissioner of Valuations is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Valuation Division. The role includes developing strategic plans and formulating, implementing and monitoring policies relating to the valuation of lands and properties across Trinidad and Tobago.
Key Responsibilities
- Administering the Valuation of Land Act
- Preparing and maintaining the Valuation Roll
- Conducting revisions of the Valuation Roll every five years
Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs
Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD)
Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs
The Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD) is a state enterprise responsible for managing and developing former state agricultural lands across Trinidad and Tobago.
Strategic Land Management
The company plays a vital role in supporting national development through the strategic management of lands previously held by Caroni (1975) Limited. EMBD facilitates land allocation, leasing and development initiatives that support residential communities, agriculture, commercial activity and economic diversification.
Sustainable Development
Through its work, EMBD contributes to sustainable land use, investment opportunities and community development while ensuring that state lands are managed responsibly and transparently.
National Objectives
The organisation continues to support national objectives related to food security, housing development and economic growth.
For more information on EMBD, please visit: http://embdtt.org/