Two of Guyana’s largest local businesses appear to be at loggerheads over a piece of waterfront land at Providence with one business, Pritipaul Singh Investments being accused of intimidation.
Following a High Court decision in their favour Demerara Contractors and Engineers Limited (DCEL) has publicly demanded that Pritipaul Singh Investments Inc (PSI) end its continued occupation of the land as well as a series of alleged “threatening actions which seek to intimidate DCEL employees”.
A statement yesterday from the company, a subsidiary of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) stated that in a ruling on October 26, of last year, the High Court ordered that PSI give up possession of the property owned by DCEL by November 30, 2021.
“The Court also issued an injunction restraining Pritipaul Singh Investments, their directors, officers, servants and or agents from entering upon the said property or any part or portion thereof after the November 30, 2020,” it added.
Stabroek News understands that PSI has since filed an Appeal.
Despite this ruling, DCEL claims that PSI has continued its occupation, keeping materials and equipment on the property.
“On several occasions, heavy-duty equipment was used to block DCEL access to the property,” the statement indicated while detailing three specific incidents.
The company claims that on Thursday April 22, 2021 its employees made a report at the Providence Police Station, that an excavator, belonging to Pritipaul Singh Investments, was blocking a bridge to the property. Later that day the police advised that they would visit Pritipaul Singh Investments with the Court Order and would request the removal of the excavator. The excavator remained in place and a follow-up report was made to the Commander of Police Division 4B.
Again, on Saturday May 1, 2021, PSI proprietor Pritipaul Singh was they claimed approached on the property by DCEL security staff who advised that he was trespassing. His response was to indicate that the matter is in court.
On May 3, a marshal of the Court is said to have removed the excavator but PSI’s occupation and obstruction continues.
Yesterday, PSI was accused of upping the ante and behaving in an aggressive manner towards DCEL staff.
“Pritipaul Singh Investments took aggressive action when its employees, at least one with a firearm, ripped down one of the DCEL fences as workers were involved with DCEL activities on the property. This aggression is reckless and dangerous … to DCEL employees carrying out their responsibilities in keeping with the law. This lawlessness should not and will not be tolerated,” the company stated.
According to DCEL, the illegal occupation and continued obstruction by Pritipaul Singh Investments have delayed the commencement of extensive works for the development of DCEL’s waterfront facilities at Providence which are part of the company’s efforts to build its capacity and expand the services offered by the DDL Group of Companies.
