The Government has announced the appointment of two new department heads, effective immediately.

Cherie Whitter, the Head of the Public Service, said that Richard Lau has been named the new Chief Information Officer, while Melonie McDermott has been appointed as the Land Registrar.

A government spokeswoman called Mr Lau an accomplished technology executive with more than 25 years of experience with the Government.

She added: “His career spans information technology, cybersecurity and the modernisation of critical infrastructure, having held senior leadership roles at Ascendant Group and One Communications Ltd.”

Mr Lau will be tasked with overseeing the Information and Digital Technologies office, implementing IT strategy, infrastructure modernisation and cybersecurity.

He also serves on the National Youth Triathlon coaching team and is a director at the Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Foundation. He holds an MBA in leadership and sustainability, and a diploma in company direction from the Institute of Directors.

Ms McDermott was credited with having a decade of experience in land law, practice and procedure, and is a qualified attorney in both Bermuda and Jamaica.

She worked previously at the national land agency in Jamaica, and joined Bermuda’s Land Title and Registration Department in December 2022 as the land title legal officer.

Ms McDermott will work under the policy direction of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The spokeswoman said: “As a goal-oriented and determined person, she is confident that she will make positive contribution to the Public Service of Bermuda.

“Ms McDermott expressed her excitement at being able to serve in her new capacity as Land Registrar.”

In the role, Ms McDermott will be responsible for managing and overseeing all operations of the Land Title Registry Office, including adjudicating land title disputes and ensuring compliance with the Land Title Registration Act 2011.

Ms McDermott will assess complex legal decisions regarding land registration, title certification and maintaining the accuracy of property record.