NEWLY appointed Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, has committed to having an open-door policy with the aim of reducing corruption within the entity he now runs.Statia, who began his tour of duty on July 25, became acquainted with staff at the authority’s headquarters located on Camp Street and other locations that fall under the Customs and Excise and Trade Operations and made his “resolute stance” against corrupt practices known.
GRA has over the years been tainted by corrupt practices resulting in the loss of confidence by the public. A statement from the GRA on Friday noted that the new Commissioner-General was told of plans to improve some critical aspects of the operations of the Customs Department, especially given that the peak season is fast approaching.
He was also updated on the need for improved facilities aimed at enhanced record-keeping and staff accommodation, human resource and training needs, uniformity and the promotion of officers.
“He also encouraged teamwork among junior officers and their senior counterparts who he has entrusted with the authority to make even-handed decisions, but also adherence to standard operating procedures as required by the country’s tax, trade and border laws and regulations,” the statement noted.
Statia, a certified accountant, attorney-at-law and former senior deputy-commissioner of the then Inland Revenue Department, conducted his familiarisation tour in the company of Deputy Commissioner-General Hema Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Customs Excise and Trade Operations Lancelot Wills and other seniors.
Visits were made to Q-Trex International, John Fernandes Wharf and Terminal, the Guyana National Shipping Corporation, (GNSC) the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC), Muneshwers Wharf, the GRA’s Goods Examination Unit and Scanner Operations at Lombard Street, the Demerara Shipping Company Limited (DSCL), Customs Boathouse, the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), the Eugene F. Correia International Airport and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
The presence of customs at these locations is mandatory, oftentimes on a 24- hour basis, given the frequency in movement of cargo and the tendency to smuggle. Mr Statia was introduced to the officers on site, whose duties range from examining containerised cargo and ship files, de-stuffing, rummaging and reporting of vessels and oil tankers.
The commissioner-general is also scheduled to visit GRA locations outside of Georgetown soon. He is the chief executive of the authority and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the entity, the management of its funds, property and affairs and the administration, organisation and control of staff.
