Latest update May 6th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 04, 2017 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News
Preliminary arguments have commenced in the New Building Society (NBS) versus the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown court case. The matter was called up yesterday before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the Georgetown High Court.
The proceedings were held in Chambers.
At a previous hearing, attorney for the parking meter company, Smart City Solutions (SCS), Stephen Fraser, had applied to the Court to be listed as a respondent in the matter. His application was granted by Justice Brassington Reynolds.
Yesterday was scheduled for preliminary arguments into the matter to commence.
The action was brought against City Hall by the New Building Society (NBS) over the installation of parking meters in front of that establishment in February. Attorney–at–law, Pauline Chase is representing NBS in the case.
According to the writ, NBS is aggrieved that the meters were placed in front of its North Road and Avenue of the Republic location. It is the company’s belief that such a move is disadvantageous and adversely affects and destroys the system and investment it has made in the new location.
The order nisi granted against M&CC on February 8, last, demanded that City Hall show just cause why the parking meter project should not be quashed. The order would have resulted in a temporary halt to all activities related to the project.
NBS is contending that the placement of the meters was done without consultation or approval. The entity believes that the M&CC was aware that a car park was constructed for NBS customers, and for the council to now charge for parking in that location, is egregious and improper.
The writ stated, “NBS feels aggrieved that no one has invited the entity for any discussion or exchange of views in relation to the installation of parking meters in front of the premises. Furthermore, it is the society’s belief that the huge expense incurred to develop the environs of that building was totally disregarded by the M&CC.”
More importantly, the financial institution contends that its housing mortgage business, which is the core of its operation, with in excess of 10,000 mortgagors, will be adversely affected.
The company believes that the installation of parking meters will result in monthly loan repayments being delayed and this does not augur well for the profitability of its business. The company says it stands to lose since built-up arrears will become burdensome for the liquidity of its operations.
The company is seeking $250,000 in damages against the M&CC.
Meanwhile, the M&CC through representation by Attorney-at-law Roger Yearwood has claimed that the NBS has unlawfully encroached on a public place within the control of the M&CC.
Additionally, the City Council contended that it has the authority to erect and maintain parking meters and regulate the parking of vehicles on council roads.
The M&CC says that NBS’s argument lacks merit and as a responsible corporate citizen, as it purports to be, it should have looked at the way it constructed its building.
M&CC has argued that it is not responsible or can be saddled with catering for the parking of NBS employees and customers.
GRA catch EXXON trying to hunch GUYANA over 11 BUS dollars in one shot!!!!
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