Julian Barrington, Chief Valuation Officer, faces charges for allegedly assisting in falsifying a property valuation to evade taxes. The alleged false statement regarding the property in Lusignan was submitted on February 19, 2024. Barrington pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody after failing to post bail. The case will be reviewed again on March 26, 2025.
Julian Barrington, the Chief Valuation Officer of the Ministry of Finance, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to face accusations of submitting a falsified property valuation. The charge alleges that, on February 19, 2024, he assisted another individual in making a false statement concerning the Certificate of Valuation for a property located at Lot 129, Area “L,” Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
The prosecution presented evidence that the Certificate misrepresented the property as developed, fenced, and filled with sand, aiming to reduce Capital Gains Tax obligations. However, subsequent investigations indicated that no such improvements were present on the property. This case falls under Section 111(1)(b)(i) of the Income Tax Act, pertaining to fraudulent declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority.
Mr. Barrington pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail set at $40,000. However, he was subsequently placed in custody for failing to meet the bail requirement. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 26, 2025, to further address the allegations against him.
In summary, Julian Barrington has been charged with assisting in the submission of a falsified property valuation, which misrepresented property improvements to lessen tax liabilities. He has entered a not guilty plea but is currently in custody due to bail noncompliance. The next court date is set for March 26, 2025, to continue legal proceedings regarding this matter.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
