The High Court has ruled in favor of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), granting them an Order for Possession of their property located at Area “X”, Charlestown. This decision comes after a protracted legal dispute with the Guyana National Industrial Company Inc. (GNIC), a major operator in the country’s shipping industry.
In a comprehensive judgment delivered on December 10, 2025, Honourable Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln concluded that GNIC was not entitled to renew its lease on the property, having breached critical lease obligations. As a result, the court ordered GNIC to vacate the premises and deliver possession back to NICIL.
Justice Corbin-Lincoln’s ruling also dismissed GNIC’s claims of estoppel and reaffirmed NICIL’s proprietary rights over the land and wharf facilities. The judgment noted that GNIC had failed to pay rent since at least 2010, accumulating debts exceeding 1 billion dollars while continuing to profit from its operations. NICIL accused GNIC of illegally subletting the property to companies such as TCL and Laparkan, which constituted additional breaches of the lease terms.
During the proceedings, NICIL was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieira from London House Chambers, who effectively argued for possession, injunctive relief, and other related orders. On the other hand, GNIC was represented by Neil Boston S.C.
The court determined that GNIC’s attempts to renew the lease could not be upheld in light of these violations and found that GNIC was not protected under the Rent Restriction Act. The court mandated that GNIC must vacate the wharf by June 12, 2026—giving them a six-month timeline to comply with the order.
This significant ruling now opens the door for the Government of Guyana to proceed with plans to develop a modern port facility at one of the country’s prime shipping locations, aiming to enhance the nation’s trade and economic capabilities.
