Chief Valuation Officer Accused of Falsifying Property Valuation in Lusignan

Julian Barrington, Chief Valuation Officer, faces charges for aiding in a false property valuation linked to a Certificate of Valuation for a Lusignan property. Accusations suggest misrepresentation intended to reduce Capital Gains Tax. He pleaded not guilty but was remanded after failing to secure bail. Court proceedings are set to resume on March 26, 2025.

Julian Barrington, the Chief Valuation Officer of the Ministry of Finance, was brought before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to respond to accusations involving a forged property valuation. Specifically, Barrington is alleged to have aided another party in submitting a false statement regarding a Certificate of Valuation for a property located at Lot 129, Area “L,” Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, dated February 19, 2024.

The prosecution presented evidence indicating that the submitted documentation inaccurately classified the property as developed, fenced, and filled with sand to significantly diminish Capital Gains Tax liabilities. However, investigations revealed that none of these claimed enhancements had been executed on the property in question.

This offense is in violation of Section 111(1)(b)(i) of the Income Tax Act, pertaining to the valuation submitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority. Barrington entered a plea of not guilty, but he was remanded into custody after being unable to post $40,000 bail.

Subsequently, the proceedings were adjourned, with a next hearing scheduled for March 26, 2025.

The charges against Chief Valuation Officer Julian Barrington highlight significant allegations of misconduct involving a falsified property valuation. The legal proceedings will continue as Barrington pleads not guilty and awaits his next court date. The case underscores the importance of integrity in property valuations and the regulatory frameworks surrounding tax obligations.

Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com