The High Court is set to hear this morning a case that could determine the fate of the University of Excellence, Management and Business Inc. (UEMBI), as the institution faces possible closure over its continued occupation of the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) property on Woolford Avenue.

At the heart of the case is a contentious dispute over the legality of a lease agreement, with sharply conflicting claims about who had the authority to enter into the arrangement and whether the contract is valid.

The action, brought by CLC Inc. and supported by the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), seeks to have UEMBI removed from the premises, halt construction, and secure damages exceeding GY$3 million per month for what is described as unlawful occupation since September 2025.

Closure Already Signaled

Even before the court’s ruling, UEMBI has signaled that its future is in jeopardy.

In a formal notice to students, the institution disclosed plans to shut down operations by the end of 2026:

“The University of Excellence in Management and Business (U.E.M.B.) hereby gives formal notice to all current students that the University is expected to cease operations permanently at the end of this calendar year.”

The notice further confirmed that no new students are being admitted and that operations will continue only to facilitate a phased shutdown:

“Effective immediately, U.E.M.B. has stopped admitting new students… U.E.M.B. will continue to operate through year-end solely for the purpose of facilitating the completion of studies where possible, managing student transitions, and concluding all necessary administrative and regulatory matters.”

Survival Hinges on Court Outcome

UEMBI President Stanley Paul has acknowledged that the institution’s survival depends on the outcome of the case. In comments to Demerara Waves, he said the university cannot operate elsewhere due to accreditation constraints tied to its current location.

“If I lose the case before the court, then I have to close. Where I’m going to operate? I can’t operate any place else… The accreditation that we have is location-specific so if you lose possession of the building, then the result of that is close,” Paul stated.

Dispute Over Authority and Legality

Central to the case is whether the lease agreement relied upon by UEMBI is legally enforceable.

UEMBI maintains that the agreement is valid and was entered into in good faith, arguing that the individual who signed on behalf of the college presented himself as duly authorised.

However, that position is being strongly challenged. Lincoln Lewis, Board Secretary of Critchlow Labour College, has asserted that he is the duly authorised officer responsible for executing legal documents on behalf of the institution, and that any agreement not signed by the authorised representative cannot be binding.

Further complicating the matter are claims that the agreement was executed by an individual who allegedly lacked the legal authority to do so, along with concerns that the college entity may not have been in proper legal standing at the time the lease was signed.

Court filings by CLC Inc., represented by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, also argue that the agreement is a nullity and was made with the wrong legal entity.

Municipal Concerns and Construction Issues

The dispute has also drawn in the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, which maintains that the property—originally leased to the college—remains under municipal oversight.

The council has reportedly issued notices, including cease-and-desist orders related to construction and occupancy, emphasising that any sublease or change in use requires its explicit approval.

CLC Inc. is also asking the court to find that construction by UEMBI breached Georgetown’s building by-laws and was carried out without proper authorisation.

Legal Setbacks and Uncertain Future

The case comes amid further challenges for UEMBI, including the withdrawal of Attorney-at-Law Joelle Harmon—its fourth attorney in the matter. Paul is expected to seek additional time to secure new legal representation.

Meanwhile, the university has outlined plans to transition students who will not complete their programmes before the anticipated closure.

“For students whose programme of study will extend beyond year-end… U.E.M.B. will work to transition those students to partner universities,” the notice states.

Students are required to continue paying tuition until any transition is finalised, while graduates are being urged to secure official recognition of their qualifications through the National Accreditation Council.

With questions surrounding legal authority, regulatory compliance, and its continued occupancy of the property now before the court, the outcome of today’s hearing is poised to decisively shape whether UEMBI survives or is compelled to shut down.