Business

The newly created Commission of Strata Corporations, which will monitor and oversee some 2,400 strata developments, is now in place.

 Sandra Watson, general manager of the Real Estate Board said the Cabinet recently appointed the members of the Commission who had their first meeting two weeks ago.

Commission is being chaired by Jean 'Karl' Vendryes. Other members include: Elizabeth Stair, head of the National Land Agency and Edwin Wint, president of the Realtors' Association of Jamaica; Courtney Illgner, Derrick Hamilton: Constance Trowers; John Leiba; Denise Henry-James; Rollin Alveranga; Any Levy and John Mais.

Watson will serve as secretary of the Commission.

Letters of invitation were sent out on Monday to the 2,400 strata developments to register with the Commission.

The Strata Commission was set up after amendments to the Registration (Strata Titles) Act passed by the House of Representatives last year.

The law was amended largely because of a number of complaints about the management of apartments and other housing complexes.

Watson in previous reports had said the establishment of the commission would strengthen the means of collecting maintenance contributions, which should allow for apartments to be better maintained, hence preserving and increasing the property value.

The commission will also have available historical records of the operations of particular strata properties and whether it was being properly administered.

It will also have broad powers to hold strata executives and property owners to account.

 dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com