The charge of falsifying a property valuation has been dropped against Julian Barrington, the Chief Valuation Officer at the Ministry of Finance. The decision was announced on Wednesday during a hearing at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

The prosecutor representing the Guyana Revenue Authority informed Magistrate Fabayo Azore that the agency wished to withdraw the matter. The magistrate granted the request, effectively ending the legal proceedings against Barrington. No explanation was provided by the prosecution for its decision to discontinue the case.

Barrington had previously been accused of assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent Certificate of Valuation for a property located at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. The document allegedly misrepresented the property’s condition to reduce Capital Gains Tax obligations. Barrington had pleaded not guilty when initially charged.

This development marks the conclusion of a case that had raised concerns about transparency and accountability in property valuations. While the reasons behind the withdrawal remain unclear, it brings an end to months of legal scrutiny surrounding Barrington’s role in the matter.