COMMISSIONER General of Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia on Wednesday charged officers to conduct their duties with utmost professionalism. Statia’s mandate followed discoveries about malpractice committed recently by officers of the Authority.

At a staff meeting held at GRA’s Camp Street Headquarters the GRA head reiterated that in addition to honesty and integrity, professionalism must be paramount.

In a statement posted on the Authority’s website, Statia reminded staff that the oath of confidentiality and secrecy are crucial to the performance of their jobs. The Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01, Section 4 (1) states that all officers are sworn to secrecy upon acceptance of employment with the Authority.

The Commissioner General said he intends to rid the GRA of the wrongdoings that have tarnished its reputation in the past by dealing condignly with those who insist on bringing the Revenue Authority to disrepute.

Meanwhile, the GRA appealed to members of the public to play their part in the process by avoiding any form of collusion with staff, such as payment of monies for services offered by the Authority. “Members of the public are just as guilty should they aid and albeit the commission of an offense by willingly participating in any clandestine act and may also be subject to prosecution,” the statement added.