Guyana has wrapped up its defence in the $100 million arbitration case brought by Smart City Solutions (SCS) over the controversial Georgetown parking meter project. The hearings were conducted before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Paris.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., led Guyana’s delegation to the week-long proceedings, which began on September 29 and concluded on October 4 at the International Arbitration Centre of Paris.
According to Nandlall, the hearings featured testimony from both fact and expert witnesses representing the State and SCS. Each side was allowed to examine and cross-examine witnesses, after which both teams delivered their closing arguments. The tribunal has since reserved its decision, which will be announced at a later date.
The case stems from a 2016 contract between the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and SCS under the former APNU+AFC administration. The deal was heavily criticised by the public, sparking weeks of protest across the capital.
Following the backlash, the project was suspended, and SCS subsequently terminated its operations in Guyana before filing a US$100 million claim against the State.
Nandlall emphasised that the Government continues to defend the matter vigorously on behalf of the Guyanese people, noting that the contract was executed by the City Council “over which the then Government had an overwhelming majority.”
The tribunal’s ruling will determine whether Guyana is liable for any compensation related to the aborted parking meter project.
