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- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Make a Payment
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Make A Payment Make a payment for your valuation request. Type of Payment Choose an option Valuation in Name of Reference Number Amount to be paid Address of property to be valued Additional Comments Make Payment
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | FAQs
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. FAQs Note: ‘End-user’ refers to the actual person or entity that will be relying on the Valuation Report e.g. a lending institution or statutory body. What are the requirements to make a Valuation Request? For a typical Valuation Request, we require the following documents: A copy of a valid form of Identification (ID, DP or Passport) A copy of Deed / Title document or any Lease(s) A copy of Survey Plan / Cadastral Sheet Please note that additional documents may be required based on the type of property and/or the purpose of valuation. What is the fee for a standard residential valuation request? Our fee is dependent on the value of the property and in most cases, the following fee structure applies: $2,200 for the first $500,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $500,000 plus VAT, subject to a minimum fee of $2,200 plus VAT. For example, if a property is valued at $1M, our fee would be $3,450 plus VAT @ 12.5%. Therefore, the total cost would be $3,881.25. Please note that our fees may vary based on the type of property and/or the purpose of valuation. How long is a Valuation Report valid? Typically, a valuation report is valid for six (6) months however, it depends on the requirements of the ‘end-user’ and their informed opinion of the validity of the Valuation Report as time passes. Where are you located? We have five (5) branches located throughout Trinidad & Tobago and they are as follows: #23 Ariapita Avenue, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I. #51 Harris Street, San Fernando, Trinidad, W.I. 1st Floor, No. 9, Mulchan Seuchan Road, Chaguanas, Trinidad, W.I. #51-59 Tumpuna Road, Shops of Arima, Inner Mall Shops, Arima, Trinidad, W.I. Unit 5, Tateco Building, Wilson Road, Scarborough, Tobago, W.I. What is the turnaround time for a standard Valuation Request? Upon receipt of all required documents and access, delivery of the final report will take approximately 10 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays). Depending on the property type and location, additional time may be required. Why would I need to have my property valued? You may require a Valuation Report for various reasons, some of which are noted as follows: An opinion of what you should pay if you are purchasing a property Mortgage purposes for a long-term loan To determine a replacement cost of a building for Insurance purposes To finance the Construction of a new building If selling a property, to have an opinion of the sale price for marketing purposes An accurate assessment of the applicable Stamp Duty Tax (e.g. when transferring ownership of a property) A record of Assets for accounting purposes such as in a Balance Sheet Statutory requirements – Probating a will or litigation Are your Reports accepted by ‘end-users’? Yes, we are on the panel of approved service providers to all the major Mortgage Lending Institutions and Statutory Bodies. What are the methods of payment? Payment can be made at our offices (San Fernando, Chaguanas, Port of Spain, Arima or Tobago) via cash, debit card, credit card (also, over the phone or via our website), cheque, online transfer or bank deposit. Do I need to make an appointment before visiting the office? It depends on the purpose of your visit. Generally speaking, no appointment is required to visit our office. Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (GMT-4), excluding Public Holidays. For the purpose of requesting a valuation, you may opt to do this online via our online form here . Can someone (otherwise called an agent) make a valuation request on my behalf, I being the client? Yes, someone can make a valuation request on your behalf however, we require a valid photo ID from you, the Client as well as the Agent. What are the requirements to collect a completed Valuation Report? In order to collect the completed Valuation Report, the outstanding balance on fees must be settled in full. Kindly note if someone (an Agent) is collecting the Valuation Report on your behalf, we require a letter authorising the Agent to collect on the client’s behalf as well as a copy of a valid photo ID for the Agent. Do you value agricultural land? Yes, we value agricultural lands generally once there is a motorable access to the lands and Cadastral Survey Plan is available. As such, all requests will be screened prior to acceptance. Kindly note that we only value the surface rights (i.e. freehold or leasehold interest) and not what is grown in the lands such as crops and timber trees. What are comparables? RICS Valuation – Global Standards December 2024 defines Comparables as “an item of information used during the valuation process as evidence to support the valuation of another, similar item. Comparable evidence comprises a range of relevant data used by the valuer to support a valuation.” The primary source of comparables is Agreements-of-Sale. If I instruct that I need my Valuation Report to come in at a particular figure, can the company facilitate this? It would be unethical to accept such an instruction. Our Valuation Opinion is based on consideration of all relevant factors including the analysis of comparables (defined above). It would go against best practice to report a valuation opinion that does not follow this process. This is supported by the fact that G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited is a RICS-regulated firm with a duty to uphold international standards [RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors]. When conducting a site visit, does the Valuation Officer need access to all rooms? Yes. Access to all areas of a building allows for a complete visual inspection of the premises which contributes to a realistic and reasonable assessment of the market value of the property. If I commissioned a Valuation Report to determine a price for my property, can a prospective purchaser use this Valuation Report e.g. to secure a mortgage? As per international standards, a Valuation Report can only be done for one specific purpose. As with the example above, a Valuation Report done for the specific purpose of sale, should not be used for mortgage purposes. We recommend that a prospective purchaser secure his / her own Valuation report. I did a valuation of my property previously and I need an updated Valuation Report. Can the date on my initial Valuation Report be changed? The initial Valuation Report would have been done at a specific date. If we changed the date on the Valuation Report to a later date, this means that the same Valuation Report exists at two different dates. This would be unethical and therefore, we cannot simply change the date on a pre-existing Valuation Report. As such, we advise that a new Valuation Report be commissioned. If my property was already valued in the past by G.A. Farrell & Associates Limited, what will it cost to get an updated Valuation Report? In cases where we have done a Valuation Report on the same property within the last three (3) years, and for the same client, a discount of up to 30% of the fee is given, subject to the applicable minimum fee. For properties valued within the last four (4) to six (6) years, and for the same client, a discount of up to 15% of the fee is given, subject to the applicable minimum fee. Do you also prepare Quantity Surveyor’s Reports? Yes, we do prepare Quantity Surveyor’s Reports on structures that have not exceeded its foundation stage of construction. However, please confirm with your lending institution that we are on their panel of approved Quantity Surveyors. If you require both a Proposed Building Valuation and a Quantity Surveyor’s Report, confirm also with your lending institution that they will accept both Reports from our firm. Do you conduct valuations for properties without Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD) approvals? In the absence of TCPD approvals, once reasonable and practical, we can value the property, but our opinion of value would be based on the following assumption: “All relevant approvals have been obtained from the relevant authorities.” How should I choose a valuation firm? It is important that when a valuation report for a specific purpose is required, you ensure that the Valuation Firm selected is approved by the ‘end-user’. Qualified Valuers will be chartered (i.e. have a professional RICS designation, MRICS or FRICS), a RICS-registered Valuer and may also be a full member of the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad & Tobago (ISTT), as evidenced by the designation, MISTT.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Insurance
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Insurance How Much Insurance Do I Need? For most people, the answer to this question is obtained when they first buy their home. At that time, a valuation is customarily done and the valuation report will state the sum recommended for insurance. If they are getting a mortgage loan, the Bank will usually insist that the house be insured for a sum not less than that stated in the valuation report.Unfortunately, thousands live in their home for several years and never change the amount of their house insurance. In a time of increasing costs, this can be very dangerous to a homeowner. It is like playing Russian roulette.Let’s examine a case where a homeowner Mr. I. N. Trouble buys a property for $600,000 at which time the cost to replace the building is $400,000. At that time, he buys insurance on the building for $400,000. After a period of 10 years, let us assume that his building will now cost $600,000 to replace. However, he has never increased his house insurance…and… DISASTER!…his house is fully destroyed. Mr. I.N. Trouble will be entitled to a cheque for $400,000. (the amount of his house insurance). However, to replace the house he had, it will cost him $600,000 and as a result, he will have lost $200,000. The worse is yet to come. In obtaining his mortgage loan, his house insurance was assigned to the Bank that carries his loan. The cheque from the insurance company will therefore go to the bank first, and only be released to him in some format, if and when he rebuilds his house. O.K. you say, but a house is rarely 100% destroyed. What if it is only 60% destroyed? Surely Mr. I. N. Trouble will get the full $360,000 (60% of the replacement cost of $600,000.) as his insurance is $400,000? The answer is NO. In this scenario, he will get $240,000. This represents 60% of what the house is actually insured for (which is $400,000.) and therefore, he will be short $120,000 i.e. $360,000 (the cost of repairs) – $240,000 (insurance proceeds). This clearly shows the danger of sitting back and not paying attention to your house insurance. For all of you who are guilty of not checking to see if your house insurance is sufficient, please contact a qualified expert. It may be a Quantity Surveyor, Engineer, Architect, Valuer or Contractor. Their fee will depend on the value of your home, and will generally be between 1/6 – 1/3 of 1% of its value (i.e. divide the value of the building by between 600-300). While it may appear costly at first, it is definitely worth it when compared to what you might lose. It is also important to select the insurance company very carefully. A major consideration is that the company is financially sound. In addition, it should have a good reputation for settling claims. While cost is a factor, it is not a good idea to select a company solely by the insurance premium. The sum you save now may not seem worth it when you are having difficulty in obtaining a settlement cheque for your loss. Finally, having a good insurance agent is also very advisable. You want an agent who is knowledgeable in insurance and has an interest in your needs. Do not procrastinate. The time to get professional advice is NOW. Contact a professional or G.A. Farrell & Associates Limited.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Unit Converter
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Unit Converter A free conversion tool to assist you with your calculations.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Property Tax Quick Facts
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Property Tax Quick Facts General Information NOTE: Please be advised that the Valuation Roll 2021 exercise is solely conducted by and for the Valuation Division of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and therefore, does not apply to our business of providing valuations to clients. Kindly visit the Valuation Division’s website at https://valuationdivision.gov.tt/ for more information. Thank you. All Property Taxes between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2017 have been waived. It has been announced that the ‘new’ Property tax for 2018 has also been waived. The Government of Trinidad & Tobago expects to commence the collection of property tax in fiscal 2021. A new Valuation Return Form has been designed which requests more information than the previous one. There has been no official word from the Ministry on when property owners would have to file this return. There is a fine of $5,000 for failing to submit this form when requested. Property owners will have 30 days to object to their assessment. There will be a Valuation Tribunal appointed to hear objections. The Valuation Tribunal will be headed by an Attorney and will comprise four other persons, two of whom will have qualifications and experience in Valuations. There is a $50,000 penalty for leaking of owners’ information. Nevertheless, a big drawback for homeowners is that unless the rental data supplied to the Commissioner of Valuations on the new Valuation Return Form is shared, it will be very difficult to prove an assessment is too high. This puts homeowners at a severe disadvantage as while property sales are registered and available to the general public, rental leases are hardly ever registered. Rental information is therefore extremely hard to come by and one often has to rely on verbal information from other property owners and real estate agents. Further fact sheets will be issued as and when additional information becomes available and will be published on this website. Your Property Tax on a residence will be calculated as follows: The monthly rental value (unfurnished) of your home will be determined by the Commissioner of Valuations. This monthly rental value will be multiplied by 12 to determine the annual rental value. subject to a minimum of $18,000. It is currently proposed to deduct 10% from your annual rental and the remainder will represent your taxable value. It should be mentioned that this deduction can be changed at the discretion of the Board of Inland Revenue. 3% will be calculated of your taxable value and this will represent your Property Tax. For commercial properties, the method remains the same but 5% of your taxable value will be your Property Tax
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Webinars
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Webinars 2024 Residential Real Estate Webinar 2022 Commercial Real Estate Webinar - Clint Langton's Presentation 2022 Commercial Real Estate Webinar 2022 Residential Real Estate Webinar 2021 Commercial Real Estate Webinar
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Valuation Request
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Valuation Request MAKING A VALUATION REQUEST A 4-STEP PROCESS 1 2 3 4 Thank you for considering our firm to prepare a valuation report on your property. The following will acquaint you with the steps that will be necessary when requesting a valuation. Submit A Valution Request Submit a Valuation Request Your Valuation Request may be submitted using one of the following methods: Via our website: Please complete our Online Valuation Request Form , submit the required supporting documents, and pay the deposit via the ‘Services’ tab above. Our Administrative Staff will contact you if any additional information is needed. Visiting our Branch : Our Administrative Staff will collect all necessary information, documents, and payments at the branch most convenient to you. You may also complete the Fillable Valuation Request Form in advance and bring it with you when visiting our branch. Note: Gathering the required information may take a few minutes. We appreciate your patience, as this ensures all details are accurately recorded. Documents to be provided: (Please note that additional documents may be required based on the purpose of valuation) A copy of a valid form of Identification (ID, DP or Passport) A copy of Deed / Title document or any Lease(s) A copy of Survey Plan / Cadastral Sheet (mandatory for Vacant Parcels of Land) If available, any Town & Country Planning Approvals A copy of the Agreement of Sale, if available For a Proposed Building / Extension or Proposed Works: Copy of approved Building Plans, where applicable Quantity Surveyor’s Report (Please confirm if one is required by the Lending Institution) and / or Builder’s Estimate Deposit & Fee Structure PROPERTY TYPE FEE STRUCTURE DEPOSIT AMOUNT MINIMUM FEE Residential $2,200 for the first $500,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $500,000 plus VAT $2,475.00 $2,200 plus VAT Agricultural & Residential* (Specific Remote Areas) $3,000 for the first $500,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $500,000 plus VAT $3,375.00 $3,000 plus VAT Agricultural Land (Subject to review) $2,500 for the first $500,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $500,000 plus VAT $2,812.50 $2,500 plus VAT Mixed-Use $4,000 for the first $800,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $800,000 plus VAT $4,500.00 $4,000 plus VAT Commercial (Land only) $4,000 for the first $500,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $500,000 plus VAT $4,500.00 $4,000 plus VAT Commercial (Building & Land) $4,000 for the first $500,000 of the opinion of market value and ¼ of 1% of the excess over $500,000 plus VAT $5,625.00 $5,000 plus VAT Note: The deposit amount will be deducted from the total cost and is applicable for properties below a value of $5M. Fees for opinion of market values estimated to be $5M and over are to be determined by our Director. Payments can be made via cash, credit card, debit card, cheque, online banking or direct deposit. *Remote areas include the immediate villages/environs of the stated areas stated below: Region Locations Tobago Charlotteville, Speyside, Delaford, Kings Bay, Bloody Bay, L'anse Fourmi, Hermitage, Campbleton Northwestern & Offshore Areas Blanchisseuse, Brasso Seco, Down D Islands (Gasparee, Monos) Southern & Southwestern Trinidad Icacos, Cedros, Moruga (Basse Terre, Bois Jean Jean, Gran Chemin, La Lune, Marac) Eastern Trinidad Balandra, Rampanalgas, Cumana Northeastern Trinidad Matelot, Toco, Grande Riviere, Sans Souci, L'Anse Noir Site Inspection 2. Site Inspection Once we have received your request, deposit, and all required documents, our Valuation Officer will contact you or your appointed access person within approximately five (5) working days to schedule an inspection of the property. Please note that all rooms must be inspected. If any room or apartment interior is not accessible, this will be clearly stated in the report. Additionally, we kindly ask that all dogs, regardless of size, be secured before our Valuation Officer arrives. Upon arrival, our Valuation Officer will first measure the exterior of the property before proceeding to the interior. External and internal photographs will also be taken as part of the valuation process. 3. Report Preparation Report Preparation Once all required information has been provided and barring any unforeseen circumstances, your Valuation Report should be ready approximately five (5) working days after the inspection. The timeframe may vary depending on the type and location of the property, as a thorough analysis is necessary to determine an accurate opinion of value. In the valuation process, three (3) primary methodologies (or approaches) are used to determine value: the Market Approach (also known as the Direct Market Comparison Approach), the Income Approach, and the Cost Approach. All approaches will be considered in valuing your property, with one or more applied as appropriate. Collection 4. Collection Once your Valuation Report is completed, we will notify you of any outstanding balance. Upon full settlement, a digital copy will be emailed to you. If you require a physical copy, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements after payment is received in full. Note: Values will not be disclosed nor reports delivered until settlement of our fees.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Banking Details
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Banking details Please deposit make the deposit to any of the following accounts below: Republic Bank Limited Account: #510001024801 / G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited (Chequing) RBC Royal Bank Account: #100088110015889 / G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited (Chequing) First Citizens Bank Account: #2160780 / G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited (Savings)
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Key Personnel
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Key Personnel FOUNDING MEMBERS Gordon Farrell VIEW PROFILE Mark Farrell VIEW PROFILE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Derek de Gannes VIEW PROFILE Ryan Chin VIEW PROFILE MANAGEMENT TEAM David Bally VIEW PROFILE Leslie Sylvester VIEW PROFILE VALUATION TEAM Gerald Lue Affat VIEW PROFILE Damion Phagoo VIEW PROFILE Satyam Mahabir VIEW PROFILE Trevor Narine VIEW PROFILE David Figaro VIEW PROFILE Nicole Clarke VIEW PROFILE Stephan Ali VIEW PROFILE Kristy Ramdhanie VIEW PROFILE Brandon Callender VIEW PROFILE CONSULTANTS Clifford Murray VIEW PROFILE Sunil Lalloo VIEW PROFILE
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Purchase
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Buying A Home Buying A Home is one of the biggest investments/purchases most of us will ever make in our life. It normally involves borrowing a large sum of money which is to be paid back over 20-30 years – a significant part of our lifetime. Despite that, many buyers go into this exercise without knowing what to expect or what to look for. One of the most important aspects in buying a home is the cost/value. While no one will mind if they pay less than the home is worth, it is a different story to find that you have paid too much. Also, mortgage-lending institutions normally lend up to 90% of the value or cost of the home, whichever is the lower. For example, assume you are buying a home for $600,000 and hope to borrow $540,000. (You have made a $60,000 deposit from your own funds). If the valuer then determines the home that you are buying is worth only $540,000, the mortgage lending institution will only lend you $495,000 and you will have to find an extra $55,000 on your own or possibly lose the deposit you made on the house. There are two simple ways to avoid this happening to you. The easiest way is when you have finally decided what house you are going to buy, find out from your mortgage lending institution who are the valuers on their panel, then select one of them to value the house before you make a deposit. Another way is when making a deposit, specify that if the independent valuation report done by the Bank is less than the agreed purchase price, you have the option of canceling the contract and getting a full refund of your deposit. If you adopt this option, ensure that the deposit will be held in escrow with an attorney or other such professional to avoid problems if a refund becomes necessary. Another important factor to consider in purchasing a home is how much extra money you will need for closing costs. There are several costs involved in addition to the actual price of the house. Some of these include: Attorneys’ fees for the Deed of Conveyance which transfers the house to your name. It is based on the cost of the house and generally, it is 1.5% on the first $100,000; 0.75% on the next $400,000 and 0.5% on the balance. . (Shortcut if cost > $500,000 – Divide cost by 200 and add $2,000.)Don’t forget – add VAT @ 12.5% The Stamp Duty on the Deed of Conveyance. The first $850,000 of the purchase price is exempt. After that, it is 3% on the next $400,000; 5% on the succeeding $500,000 and 7.5% on the balance. The stamp duty is payable to the government and the rates stated here are for residential homes. (Shortcut if price > $1.750,000 – Calculate 7.5% of cost and subtract $94,250.) Attorneys’ fees for preparing the Deed of Mortgage. This is based on the amount of money you borrow and the rate is the same as in (1) above. This can be reduced by 50% if the same solicitor prepares both deeds and property not under RPA. Stamp Duty on the Deed of Mortgage. Again, this is based on the amount of money you borrow and is payable to the government. The amount varies depending on the type of property (residential, land, etc.), purchase or refinance, and if the amount borrowed is larger than the purchase price. In the case of a purchase of a residence, it is often $2.00 per $1,000 (0.2%) assuming mortgage is for more than $850,000. (If less, then there is no stamp duty). In other cases, it is $4.00 per $1,000 (0.4%). Valuation fees which are usually between 1/3 to 1/5 of 1% of the value of the property, plus VAT @ 12.5%. Mortgage Lending Institution Fee (Varies between 1/3 – 2% of the amount borrowed). Mortgage Indemnity Fee. The calculation of this depends on several circumstances. It can be either 1.5% of the loan amount or 18.5% (of which 6% is a government charge) of the amount on which the mortgage indemnity is taken. Let the loan officer advise you on this. Do not forget the house itself. There are many questions you have to ask yourself. What is the traffic like at rush hours (a.m. and p.m.)? Remember you will be in it for the next 20-25 years. Do all the plumbing fixtures work? If not, why not? Is the electrical wiring adequate for all you equipment? (e.g. fridge, stove, a/c, kettle, washer, dryer, etc.) Do you see any leak stains on the ceilings? If yes, it could mean that the roof needs repairs/replacing. Is there any evidence of termites? You may want to call an expert to determine this. As you can see, there is a lot to be aware of in buying a home. Do not “Buy in haste and Regret in leisure”. Given below are 2 examples of the approximate closing costs involved in buying a home which we hope will be helpful. The above costs/fees are estimates only and are likely to vary from case to case. The above information is believed to be correct as of the date of writing. Before you make any decisions however, you are advised to consult with a suitable professional such as an accountant, an attorney, a financial advisor, etc.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy G.A. Farrell & Associates Limited (”GAF&A”) is committed to maintaining industry standards, best practice and ethics. In this regard, this policy exists so that GAF&A and those who work for the company observe and uphold a zero-tolerance position on bribery and corruption. POLICY STATEMENT GAF&A is committed to conducting business in an ethical and honest manner and is committed to implementing and enforcing systems that ensure bribery is prevented. GAF&A’s zero- tolerance for bribery and corrupt activities means it is committed to acting professionally, fairly, and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships, wherever in the country we operate. GAF&A will constantly uphold all laws relating to anti-bribery and corruption, in particular, Prevention of Corruption Act 11:11 as amended. GAF&A recognises that bribery and corruption are punishable on conviction on indictment to a fine of twenty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for two years or on summary conviction to a fine of two thousand dollars and to imprisonment for four months. DEFINITION OF BRIBERY Bribery refers to the act of offering, giving, promising, asking, agreeing, receiving, accepting, or soliciting something of value or of an advantage so to induce or influence an action or decision. A bribe refers to any inducement, reward, or object/item or value offered to another individual in order to gain commercial, contractual, regulatory, or personal advantage. Bribery is not limited to the act of offering a bribe. If an individual is on the receiving end of a bribe and they accept it, they are also breaking the law. Bribery is illegal. Employees must not engage in any form of bribery, whether it be directly, passively (as described above), or through a third party (such as an agent or distributor). They must not bribe a foreign public official anywhere in the world. They must not accept bribes in any degree and if they are uncertain about whether something is a bribe or a gift or act of hospitality, they must seek further advice from the company’s compliance manager. WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE This section of the policy is sub-divided into four (4) areas: Gifts and hospitality GAF&A accepts normal and appropriate gestures of hospitality and goodwill (whether given to/received from third parties) so long as the giving or receiving of gifts meets the following requirements: It is not made with the intention of influencing the party to whom it is being given, to obtain or reward the retention of a business or a business advantage, or as an explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits. It is not made with the suggestion that a return favour is expected. It is in compliance with local law. It is given in the name of the company, not in an individual’s name. It does not include cash or a cash equivalent (e.g. a voucher or gift certificate). It is appropriate for the circumstances \e.g. giving small gifts around Christmas or as a small thank you to a company for helping with a large project upon completion). It is of an appropriate type and value and given at an appropriate time, taking into account the reason for the gift. It is given/received openly, not secretly. It is not selectively given to a key, influential person, clearly with the intention of directly influencing them. It is not above a certain excessive value, as pre-determined by the company‘s compliance manager. It is not offered to, or accepted from, a government official or representative or politician or political party, without the prior approval of the company’s compliance manager. Where it is inappropriate to decline the offer of a gift (i.e. when meeting with an individual of a certain religion/culture who may take offence), the gift may be accepted so long as it is declared to the compliance manager, who will assess the circumstances. GAF&A recognises that the practice of giving and receiving business gifts varies between countries, regions, cultures, and religions, so definitions of what is acceptable and not acceptable will inevitably differ for each. As good practice, gifts given and received should always be disclosed to the compliance manager. Gifts from suppliers should always be disclosed. The intention behind a gift being given/received should always be considered. If there is any uncertainty, the advice of the compliance manager should be sought. Facilitation payments and kickbacks GAF&A does not accept and will not make any form of facilitation payments of any nature. We recognise that facilitation payments are a form of bribery that involves expediting or facilitating the performance of a public official for a routine governmental action. We recognise that they tend to be made by low level officials with the intention of securing or speeding up the performance of a certain duty or action. GAF&A does not allow kickbacks to be made or accepted. We recognise that kickbacks are typically made in exchange for a business favour or advantage. GAF&A recognises that, despite our strict policy on facilitation payments and kickbacks, employees may face a situation where avoiding a facilitation payment or kickback may put their/their family’s personal security at risk. Under these circumstances, the following steps must be taken: Keep any amount to the minimum. Ask for a receipt, detailing the amount and reason for the payment. Create a record concerning the payment. Report this incident to your line manager. Political contributions GAF&A will not make donations, whether in cash, kind, or by any other means, to support any political parties or candidates. We recognise this may be perceived as an attempt to gain an improper business advantage. Charitable contributions GAF&A accepts the act of donating to charities — whether through services, knowledge, time, or direct financial contributions (cash or otherwise) — and agrees to disclose all charitable contributions it makes. Employees must be careful to ensure that charitable contributions are not used to facilitate and conceal acts of bribery. We will ensure that all charitable donations made are legal and ethical under local laws and practices, and that donations are not offered/made without the approval of the compliance manager.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP)
G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd, a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors, specialized in the valuation of properties in Trinidad & Tobago. Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) The Complaint’s Review Period’ – In the event of a dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement the Client must complete and submit the Complaints Form, a copy of which would be provided upon request. Subsequently, a Director/Senior Valuer will respond to your complaint within 5-7 working days; If the issue is not resolved via the Complaints Review Period either of the parties to this Agreement shall submit the dispute to non-binding mediation using the services provided by the Trinidad & Tobago Dispute Resolution Centre (‘the DRC”) and shall make a good –faith effort to resolve the dispute through the mediation process in accordance with the rules of the DRC. Each party shall bear its own costs in respect of the mediation; In the event the parties are unable to resolve their dispute through mediation after 14 days from the reference to mediation or such further period as the parties may mutually agree in writing, such dispute shall be settled exclusively and finally by binding arbitrator to be jointly appointed by the parties; In the event either Party fails to agree to the appointment of an arbitrator such arbitrator shall be appointed, upon application by the interested party, by the DRC. In the event either Party fails to agree to the appointment of an arbitrator such arbitrator shall be appointed, upon application by the interested party, by the DRC. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and shall not be subject to any appeal or challenge whatsoever. The arbitrator will not be required to file his award with anybody or authority whatsoever. In the event arbitration proceedings are initiated under this arbitrator clause, pending such proceedings and until a final award is rendered pursuant thereto, any subsequent controversy arising between the Parties shall be exclusively submitted for final decision by the arbitrator in the arbitrator proceedings already pending. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the Arbitration Act Chapter 5:01 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago or any statutory modification thereof. Fill our the complaints form below if you would like to submit a formal complaint: Valuation Report Reference Number Address of Subject Property Name Main Contact Number Email Address Mailing Address Status of Individual Submitting Complaint Are you the: Nature of Complaint Choose an option Details of complaint N.B. Complaints concerning the opinion of value must be supported with transaction evidence such as recent sales or rentals In submitting this complaint, I understand and accept that the matter will be handled in accordance with the Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) of the Terms of Engagement under which the valuation exercise was conducted. Submit Thanks for submitting!




