Government is seeking to ensure that the opening of Guyana’s side of the Takutu Bridge to traffic does not impose economic hardships on residents in Lethem, Region Nine.

The almost completed multi-purpose centre at Lethem, Region Nine.

This was the assurance given by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in an interview with the Government Information Agency at her Takuba Lodge office Wednesday.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett added that there may be some issues that would need to be addressed if persons were importing or exporting goods between Guyana and Brazil without paying taxes.

However tax-related issues on Guyana’s side have already been addressed and certain arrangements will be implemented upon completion of the multi-purpose centre at Lethem, since the Guyana Revenue Authority has completed arrangements with regards to the tax system in Lethem.

The Foreign Affairs Minister stated that she has been advised that the GRA has finalized arrangements that would address concerns with regard to taxes that may be imposed on commodities imported from Brazil.

She said that according to information received by her Ministry, the GRA has already provided the relevant information to the Chamber of Commerce in that Region with regard to taxable items.

Persons importing or exporting goods across the Takutu Bridge would then have to meet the necessary requirements at Lethem so that economic activities can continue.

Prior to the opening of the Bon Fim facility, people purchased supplies for both business and personal use from Brazil and would transport these across the bridge to Lethem without paying taxes.

The multi-purpose building at Lethem, which should be completed and operational by the end of June, would iron out such issues. The centre is expected to be opened shortly so as to facilitate the opening of Guyana’s side of the Takutu Bridge to traffic.

However, the subsequent inauguration of the bridge would be scheduled based on the availability of both President Bharrat Jagdeo and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.

According to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, the Foreign Ministry is collaborating with the Ministries of Public Works, Agriculture, Home Affairs, the GRA and other agencies to ensure that all arrangements are being made to accommodate the opening of Guyana’s side of the bridge. She said that some agencies have already begun transporting equipment to the centre in preparation for its opening.
(GINA)