The Jamaican Bar Association (JBA) really aims to make its mark this year as emerging technologies threaten the public, government agencies and corporations dealing with land transactions here in Jamaica. Organisers of the conference set for the Ritz Carlton, Montego Bay from November 9 - 11, responded to an urgent need to sensitise its membership and the public to the risks associated with identity theft because of the ease of duplicating and replicating documents in this digital era. The conference is a must-attend for all stakeholders.

key pointers and red flags

The keynote presenter for this session is the Registrar of Titles Sophia Williams who will give attorneys and members of the public key pointers and red flags that they need to look out for as they aim to strengthen the measures that minimise the incidence of fraud that affects persons who have registered their interests in land at the National Land Agency, Office of Titles.

Corporate social responsibility is alive and well in Jamaica. The business community was quick to recognise that identity theft in land transactions cuts across all sectors. The Bar's effort is therefore robustly supported by Bank of Nova Scotia, Thomson Reuters, LIME, Stewart Motors and Kingston Bookshop. They have provided support and will provide further support in the form of materials and information, give-aways and discounts that will enhance the JBA's and the attendee's ability to tackle this growing problem.

The programme is not all work, the Bar has signed on cabaret queen Karen Smith for its welcome dinner/reception and cocktail on Friday, November 9. Participants are urged to arrive early and mingle with the sponsors and colleagues, with the deadline of October 23, registering for special hotel room blocks is fast approaching.

A lot is happening for lawyers and at the conference. The organisers will also turn the spotlight on the recent amendments to the Legal Professional Act, but more anon!