{"id":119928,"date":"2025-11-12T14:26:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=119928"},"modified":"2025-11-12T14:26:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:26:25","slug":"guyana-international-arbitration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/guyana-international-arbitration\/","title":{"rendered":"Guyana: International Arbitration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-119928","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-international-arbitration","jurisdictions-guyana"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Stanbrook Prudhoe<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2024\/01\/Stanbrook-prudhoe.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Stanbrook Prudhoe<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2024\/01\/Stanbrook-prudhoe.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in Guyana<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legislation applies to arbitration in your country? Are there any mandatory laws?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Arbitration Act 2024 (the Act) is the primary legislation applicable to arbitration in Guyana. The Civil Procedure Rules 2016 also apply to a limited extent in relation to applications for recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.<\/p>\n<p>Laws are mandatory to the extent of the validity of the arbitration agreement. The Act empowers the Court to order arbitration where it considers the circumstances appropriate, and without the consent of the parties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is your country a signatory to the New York Convention? Are there any reservations to the general obligations of the Convention?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Guyana is a signatory to the New York Convention. Guyana does not have any reservations to the general obligations of the Convention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other arbitration-related treaties and conventions is your country a party to?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Apart from the New York Convention, Guyana is also party to the International Convention for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the\u202fUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea\u202f(UNCLOS), and bilateral and multilateral treaties which contain arbitration clauses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the law governing international arbitration in your country based on the UNCITRAL Model Law? Are there significant differences between the two? Are there any impending plans to reform the arbitration laws in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Guyana\u2019s 2024 Arbitration Act is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law and generally reflects its provisions. The significant difference between the two are that the Guyana legislation specifically addresses mediation, consolidation of arbitrations, general duties of parties and fees and expenses of arbitrators, whereas the UNCITRAL Model Law does not.<\/p>\n<p>The UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules are contained in the schedule of the Arbitration Act 2024, and the Act specifically allows for parties to the arbitration to elect for the UNCITRAL Rules to be applied to their proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>The arbitration laws in Guyana were recently updated with the implementation of the 2024 Arbitration Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What arbitral institutions (if any) exist in your country? When were their rules last amended? Are any amendments being considered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are currently no established arbitral institutions in Guyana. One of the intentions behind the recently implemented Arbitration Act is for Guyana to become a regional hub for international arbitration. The Act makes provision for establishment of arbitration institutions by the government and by private entities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a specialist arbitration court in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is currently no specialist arbitration court in Guyana.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the validity requirements for an arbitration agreement under the laws of your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In order to be valid, an arbitration agreement must be made in writing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitration clauses considered separable from the main contract?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, arbitration clauses are separable from the main contract. According to s8 of the Act, an arbitration agreement is an agreement by the parties to submit to arbitration all or certain disputes which have arisen or which may arise between them in respect of a defined legal relationship, whether contractual or not. An arbitration agreement may be in the form of an arbitration clause in a contract or in the form of a separate agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the courts of your country apply a validation principle under which an arbitration agreement should be considered valid and enforceable if it would be so considered under at least one of the national laws potentially applicable to it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. An arbitral award may be set aside by the Court if the agreement is not valid under the law to which the parties have subjected it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are asymmetric arbitration clauses \u2013 for instance, where one party has the right to choose between arbitration or litigation while the other party does not have this option \u2013 valid in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s31 of the Act, parties shall be treated with equality and each shall be given a full opportunity of presenting his or her case. On this basis, such a clause may be challenged in Guyana, or an award made subject to such a clause may be set aside by the Courts for derogation from requirements of domestic law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an arbitration agreement? Are there any recent court decisions on these issues?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act is silent on third parties and non-signatories participating in arbitration proceedings, and to date, an issue of this nature has not been brought before the Court.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any recent court decisions in your country concerning the choice of law applicable to an arbitration agreement where no such law has been specified by the Parties?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There have been no recent court decisions in this regard in Guyana.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the law applicable to the substance determined? Is there a specific set of choice of law rules in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s44 of the Act the tribunal shall decide a dispute in accordance with such rules of law as are chosen by the parties as applicable to the substance of the dispute and any designation of the law or legal system of a given State shall be construed, unless otherwise expressed, as directly referring to the substantive law of that State and not to its conflict of laws rules. Failing any designation by the parties, the tribunal shall apply the law of the State with which the subject-matter of the proceedings is most closely connected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any particular requirements for and\/or restrictions in the appointment of arbitrators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>According to the Act, where the arbitration agreement is silent, three (3) arbitrators shall be appointed. The parties may agree on the procedure of appointing the arbitrators. If the parties fail to agree on the procedure, each party may appoint one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators will appoint the third. If this arrangement fails, either party may request that the appointing authority \u2013 i.e. any person chosen by the parties to appoint an arbitrator, including the Court, international organisation or arbitration centre; or person or authority designated by the Court to appoint an arbitrator in circumstances where the parties fail to agree on the appointment of an arbitrator &#8211; makes the appointment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the local courts intervene in the selection of arbitrators? If so, how?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>On request of a party to the dispute, the Court has the power to appoint arbitrators. The Court may not intervene in the arbitration process without being so requested by one of the parties to the proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the appointment of an arbitrator be challenged? What are the grounds for such a challenge? What is the procedure for such a challenge?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act provides for a party who has appointed or participated in the appointment of an arbitrator to challenge the appointment of an arbitrator on the grounds that circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to his or her impartiality or independence, or that the arbitrator does not possess the qualifications agreed to by the parties. The parties may agree on the procedure for challenging an arbitrator. Where no such agreement is made, the party challenging must, within fifteen days of constitution of the tribunal or after becoming aware of any circumstances which may warrant a challenge, send a written statement of the grounds for the challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments concerning the duty of independence and impartiality of the arbitrators, including the duty of disclosure?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The recently implemented Act does not make any specific requirement for independence and impartiality of the arbitrators, however the appointment of an arbitrator may be challenged on the basis of doubts as to his or her impartiality or independence.<\/p>\n<p>Per s13 of the Act, a person who is approached in connection with being appointed as an arbitrator shall disclose any circumstances likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to his or her impartiality or independence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitrators immune from liability?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s63 of the Act, an arbitrator or an arbitration tribunal acting in that capacity is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a Court of Guyana acting in a judicial capacity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the principle of competence-competence recognized in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Per s17 of the Act, an arbitral tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the approach of local courts towards a party commencing litigation in apparent breach of an arbitration agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s9 of the Act, if an action is brought before the Court which is the subject of an arbitration agreement, if a party so requests not later than when submitting his or her first statement on the substance of the dispute, the Court shall refer the parties to arbitration unless it finds that the agreement is null and void, inoperative or incapable of being performed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What happens when a respondent fails to participate in the arbitration? Can the local courts compel participation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s9 of the Act, the Court has the power to order parties to arbitration where the matter is the subject of an arbitration agreement. If a party fails to participate in the arbitration, that party may be subject to contempt of court proceedings, for which the penalty is likely to be fine; and\/or an action for breach of contract may be brought against the party, for which the remedy is likely to be damages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can third parties voluntarily join arbitration proceedings? If all parties agree to the intervention, is the tribunal bound by this agreement? If all parties do not agree to the intervention, can the tribunal allow for it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act is silent on third parties and non-signatories participating in arbitration proceedings, and to date, an issue of this nature has not been brought before the Court.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What interim measures are available? Will local courts issue interim measures pending the constitution of the tribunal? Are anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions available and enforceable in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>At any time prior to the issuance of the award, the arbitral tribunal may order a party to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Maintain or restore the status quo pending the determination of the dispute;<\/li>\n<li>Take action that would prevent, or refrain from taking action that would cause current or imminent harm or prejudice to the arbitral process itself;<\/li>\n<li>Provide means of preserving assets out of which a subsequent award may be satisfied;<\/li>\n<li>Preserve evidence that may be relevant and material to the resolution of the dispute;<\/li>\n<li>Provide security of costs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Per s10 of the Act a party may request from the Court, before or during arbitral proceedings, an interim measure for protection , and the Court may grant such measure.<\/p>\n<p>Anti-suit injunctions and anti-arbitration injunctions are available and enforceable in Guyana.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there particular rules governing evidentiary matters in arbitration? Will the local courts in your jurisdiction play any role in the obtaining of evidence? Can local courts compel witnesses to participate in arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The arbitral tribunal, or a party with the approval of the arbitral tribunal, may request from the Court assistance in taking evidence, summoning witnesses or performance of other judicial acts which the arbitral tribunal is not empowered to carry out. The Court shall execute requests according to its rules on taking evidence or other judicial acts, unless it finds the request for evidence to be inadmissible. The Court may summon a witness to give evidence in arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What ethical codes and other professional standards, if any, apply to counsel and arbitrators conducting proceedings in your country? Do these codes and professional standards apply only to counsel and arbitrators having the nationality of your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) sets out the ethical codes and other professional standards applicable to general conduct of attorneys in Guyana. There is no specific body of rules which apply to ethical codes and other professional standards in arbitral proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>The fourth schedule of the LPA contains the code of conduct for attorneys in Guyana and addresses confidentiality, rule of law, integrity, conflict of interest, competence, advertisements, advocacy, conduct of cases, clients\u2019 interests, relations with fellow attorneys-at-law, public law officers, appearance, touting, prohibited business, bar association, funds, discipline, and torture.<\/p>\n<p>The Legal Practitioners Act applies to all attorneys admitted to practice in Guyana regardless of nationality. Per s63 of the Arbitration Act, a foreign representative appearing before the Court or other tribunal must be accompanied by an attorney who is admitted to practice in Guyana.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any rules with respect to the confidentiality of arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s64 of the Act, arbitral proceedings shall be private and confidential. Court proceedings in relation to arbitration proceedings shall be heard in private.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest and other similar soft law sources viewed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction? Are they frequently applied?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest and other similar sources of soft law do not feature prominently in the legal landscape in Guyana.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the costs of arbitration proceedings estimated and allocated? Can pre- and post-award interest be included on the principal claim and costs incurred?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Per s48 of the Act, parties are free to agree on what costs of the proceedings are recoverable. Where there is no such agreement, Article 40 of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, contained in the schedule of the Act, applies. Article 40 stipulates that that arbitral tribunal shall fix the cost of arbitration in the final award; and \u2018costs\u2019 includes only:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The fees of the arbitral tribunal to be stated separately as to each arbitrator and to be fixed by the tribunal itself;<\/li>\n<li>The reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by the arbitrators;<\/li>\n<li>The reasonable costs of expert advice and of other assistance required by the arbitral tribunal;<\/li>\n<li>The reasonable travel and other expenses of witnesses to the extent such expenses are approved by the arbitral tribunal;<\/li>\n<li>The legal and other costs incurred by the parties in relation to the arbitration to the extent that the arbitral tribunal determines that the amount of such costs is reasonable;<\/li>\n<li>Any fees and expenses of the appointing authority.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The parties may agree on the powers of the arbitral tribunal regarding interest. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the tribunal may award simple or compound interest from the dates and at the rates that it considers fair and reasonable. Pre and post-award interest may be included on the principal claim and costs incurred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are applications for security for costs viewed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Applications for security of costs are permissible in Guyana. Section 51 of the Act provides for the arbitral tribunal to request that deposits be made in advance for costs arising in arbitral proceedings, and for the application of Article 43 of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as set out in the schedule of the Act.<\/p>\n<p>Article 43 allows for the arbitral tribunal to request parties to deposit an equal amount as an advance for the costs referred to in Article 40 above. During the course of the arbitral proceedings, the tribunal may also request supplemental deposits from the parties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal requirements are there in your country for the recognition and enforcement of an award? Is there a requirement that the award be reasoned, i.e. substantiated and motivated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>An arbitral award, irrespective of the country in which it was made, may be recognised as binding and enforceable, upon written application to the competent Court.<\/p>\n<p>There is no statutory requirement that the award be reasoned, however, an arbitral award may be set aside by the Courts if it deals with a dispute not contemplated by or not falling within the terms of the submission to arbitration, or contains decisions on matters beyond the scope of the submission to arbitration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the estimated timeframe for the recognition and enforcement of an award (domestic and international)? Can a party bring a motion for the recognition and enforcement of an award on an ex parte basis? Would the standard of review be different for domestic and international awards?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>An application for recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award (domestic or internation) is made by way of Fixed Date Application (FDA). FDA\u2019s are typically heard within one month of being filed, but may be heard sooner if the application is urgent. The timeframe for conclusion of the application will depend on the conduct of the parties and whether they choose to settle or litigate. However, the Courts strive generally to complete trials for FDA\u2019s within 6 months of filing.<\/p>\n<p>A FDA for recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award may be made on an ex parte basis; the Court may order that notice of the application be given.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation does not create different standards for domestic and international awards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can arbitration awards be appealed or challenged in local courts? What are the grounds and procedure in this regard? Is it possible for parties to waive any rights of appeal or challenge to an award by agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act provides for recourse to the Court against an award on application to set aside the award, if the agreement is not valid under the law to which the parties have subjected it.<\/p>\n<p>An award may be set aside by the Court only where the party making the application furnishes proof that:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>A party to a valid arbitration agreement was under some incapacity;<\/li>\n<li>The agreement is not valid under the law to which the parties have subjected it, or, failing any indication thereon, under the laws of Guyana;<\/li>\n<li>The party making the application was not given proper notice of the appointment of an arbitrator or of the arbitral proceedings or was otherwise unable to present his or her case;<\/li>\n<li>Subject to iii above, the award deals with a dispute not contemplated by or not falling within the terms of the submission to arbitration, or contains decisions on matters beyond the scope of the submission to arbitration;<\/li>\n<li>The composition of the arbitral tribunal or the arbitral procedure was not in accordance with the agreement of the parties, unless such agreement was in conflict with a provision of the Act from which the parties cannot derogate, or failing such agreement, was not in accordance with the Act.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an award? To what extent might a third party challenge the recognition of an award?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act is silent on third parties and non-signatories participating in arbitration proceedings, and to date, an issue of this nature has not been brought before the Court. Hence, there is no rule or precedent in Guyana on the subject of third parties being bound by or challenging arbitral awards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any rules \/ court decisions that regulate or prohibit third party funding of arbitration proceedings \u2013 for instance, where funding by an entity not involved in the dispute in return for a share of the eventual award may be barred \u2013 in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act is silent on third party funding of arbitration proceedings. Third party funding of litigation in Guyana is neither expressly permitted nor prohibited by any legislation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is emergency arbitrator relief available in your country? Are decisions made by emergency arbitrators readily enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act does not provide for emergency arbitrator relief. There have been no decisions with respect to emergency arbitrators.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there arbitral laws or arbitration institutional rules in your country providing simplified or expedited procedures for claims under a certain value? Are they often used?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Act does not provide for simplified or expedited procedures for claims under a certain value. No arbitration institutions have been established in Guyana to date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the setting aside of an award that has been enforced in another jurisdiction or vice versa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There have been no recent decisions in Guyana in this regard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the issue of corruption? What standard do local courts apply for proving corruption? Which party bears the burden of proving corruption?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There have been no recent court decisions in Guyana on the issue of corruption.<\/p>\n<p>Corruption is a criminal offence for which the standard of proof is \u2018beyond a reasonable doubt\u2019. Corruption offences are created by various legislation, each defining the elements of the offence for their individual purposes, and considered by the Court as applicable.<\/p>\n<p>In the Criminal Law Offences Act, corruption offences addressed are in relation to public servants accepting gratification other than legal remuneration for official acts, accepting gratification in order to influence a public servant, and accepting gratification for the exercise of personal influence with a public servant.<\/p>\n<p>The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act addresses financial crimes and money laundering; the Procurement Act and Regulations addresses corrupt practices by contractors and suppliers; and the Integrity Commission Act addresses the conduct of public officials.<\/p>\n<p>Since corruption is a criminal offence, the burden of proof is on the prosecution, which is a function of the State. The office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), supported by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is responsible for proving corruption offences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country with respect to intra-European investor-State arbitration generally or enforcement of awards stemming from proceedings of this nature? Are there any pending decisions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There have been no recent decisions with respect to investor-State arbitration generally or enforcement of awards stemming from proceedings of this nature.<\/p>\n<p>There is currently before an ICSID tribunal an investor-State arbitration between Guyana and Smart City Solutions, a United States based company which entered into an agreement with Guyana for the implementation of a metered parking system in Guyana\u2019s capital city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have arbitral institutions in your country implemented reforms towards greater use of technology and a more cost-effective conduct of arbitrations? Have there been any recent developments regarding virtual hearings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are currently no established arbitration institutions in Guyana. However, since COVID-19, the Court implemented a system for virtual hearings, which may apply to arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments in your jurisdiction with regard to disputes involving ESG issues such as climate change, sustainability, social responsibility and\/or human rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There have been no recent development in Guyana with regard to disputes involving ESG issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have any international economic sanctions regimes been implemented (either independently, or based on EU law) in your jurisdiction recently? Have there been any recent decisions in your country considering the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>According to a press release by the United States Department of Treasury, on 11 June 2024, the Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned members of one of Guyana\u2019s wealthiest families, Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed (who was recently elected as the country\u2019s Opposition Leader), their company, Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, and a Guyanese government official, Mae Thomas (former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs), for their roles in public corruption in Guyana. Additionally, OFAC designated two other entities, Hadi\u2019s World and Team Mohamed\u2019s Racing Team, for being owned or controlled by Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise and Azruddin, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>There have been no recent decisions in Guyana considering the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country implemented any rules or regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or large language models in the context of international arbitration?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To date, Guyana has not implemented any such rules or regulations in the context of international arbitration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4044<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/119928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}