In a dramatic and controversial escalation of an ongoing legal dispute, University of Excellence in Management and Business (UEMBI) President Stanley Paul has relinquished control of the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) property—after reportedly burning materials on the compound and depositing the keys at the Alberttown Police Station.
The developments unfolded on Tuesday, shortly after Paul appeared before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln in the High Court. The matter has been adjourned to May 11, when proceedings will continue in a case brought by CLC Inc. to have the lease agreement declared invalid and UEMBI removed from the Woolford Avenue premises.
Earlier that same day, Paul reportedly burned two wheelbarrow loads of material at the CLC compound, which he claimed were “sensitive documents.” The destruction of materials at a property that is the subject of active court proceedings is likely to raise serious legal and ethical concerns.
Hours later, Paul surrendered possession of the property in an unusual manner—leaving the keys at a police station rather than handing C officials.
The station sergeant told the corporal to collect it and put it in a box… I left everything there—millions and millions of dollars in equipment, materials, everything. That’s what the Black people want, I gave them it,” he told Demerara Waves.
Sources have since confirmed that the keys were lodged at the Alberttown Police Station.
Paul’s abrupt actions—taken without a court order—have intensified scrutiny of both his legal position and his conduct, particularly while the central issue of whether he ever had lawful authority to occupy the property remains before the court.
Lease Under Serious Challenge
At the core of the dispute is the validity of the lease agreement under which UEMBI occupied the property. CLC Inc., represented by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, contends that the agreement is a nullity, arguing it was executed by an individual without proper authority and at a time when the college lacked legal standing.
Lincoln Lewis, Board Secretary of Critchlow Labour College, has maintained that he is the duly authorised officer to execute legal documents on behalf of the institution, and that any agreement not signed by the authorised representative cannot be binding.
When contacted by Village Voice News, Lewis said he “will be guided by his lawyer.”
The court itself has raised concerns. During Tuesday’s hearing, Justice Corbin-Lincoln reportedly questioned how the lease could have been validly negotiated, given the issues surrounding authority and the legal status of the entity involved.
Forde has described Paul’s surrender of the property as “interesting” and “quite sudden,” noting that his clients would consider accepting possession if it is accompanied by an acknowledgment that the lease is of no legal effect.
Mounting Legal and Regulatory Pressure
The dispute has also drawn in the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, which maintains that the property remains under municipal oversight. The council has issued notices, including cease-and-desist orders, warning that any sublease, construction, or change in use requires its approval.
CLC Inc. is further asking the court to find that construction undertaken by UEMBI breached Georgetown’s building by-laws and was carried out without proper authorisation.
Paul’s position has been further weakened by instability in his legal representation. Attorney Joelle Harmon recently withdrew from the matter—his fourth lawyer—leaving him without counsel at a critical stage. While the court granted time for him to secure new representation, it made clear the case will proceed regardless.
Fallout for Students and Institution
Despite claiming he invested more than GY$58 million into the property, Paul has indicated he will not pursue legal action to recover those funds—raising further questions about his decision to abruptly relinquish possession.
Students are already feeling the impact. Paul has informed them that UEMBI no longer operates from the CLC compound and will transition fully online through the end of 2026, with the institution moving toward a planned closure.
Troubled History of the Site
The controversy comes against the backdrop of two major fires at the CLC compound in 2025. On March 22, 2025, a blaze caused significant damage to sections of the historic building. A second, more destructive fire on August 1, 2025, gutted the administrative building and destroyed decades of trade union records.
Investigations later confirmed that the August fire was deliberately set (arson), according to the Guyana Fire Service.
Case Far From Over
With the matter set to return to court on May 11, Paul’s actions—from the burning of documents to the unconventional handover of keys—will face intense judicial scrutiny.
The unanswered questions now extend beyond the lease itself. They reach into conduct, credibility, and control of a disputed public asset. The court’s next hearing will not simply determine possession—it will test whether Paul’s entire claim to the property can withstand legal and factual examination.
