With acquisition of two boats…
COMMISSIONER General of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur yesterday announced that the agency has acquired two boats to pursue smugglers at sea.

Participants of the GRA training programme for Marine Unit yesterday. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

He made the announcement at the start of a five-day training programme for the Marine Unit at Customs House, in Main Street, Georgetown.

Sattaur said the enforcement arm of GRA will surely benefit from the interaction and such programmes will be continued.

He said the acquisition of the vessels cost US$200,000 and the company that manufactured them, Pantera Boat, was represented yesterday to enlighten the users about them.

Sattaur said, with the boats, GRA has now established a marine section which will be more equipped to man the rivers and he thanked the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for making available the facility where they will be moored and also house the marine operations.

GRA Commissioner General Mr. Khurshid Sattaur with Mr. Jo Nunez (left) and Mr. Pepe Nunez (second right), and GRA Training Officer Ms. Janet Abbensettes (right).

He said a contract has been awarded for works to commence at the location and the knowledgeable boat makers, during their stay in Guyana, will teach the marine staff the necessary skills needed for the execution of their duties to curb the evasion of taxes and illegal shipment of merchandise into the country.

Sattaur said there will be a practical demonstration of the GRA capacity to engage water borne smugglers by well-trained staff.

He said it is hoped they would not have to combat smugglers who engage in risky and dangerous activities.

Sattaur said his staff will also be trained by both the Army and the Police and they will patrol the rivers when the boats become operational shortly.

He noted the expense of taxpayers funds and urged GRA staffers to be watchdogs in the deployment of the boats.

Meanwhile, father and son, Mr. Pepe and Mr. Jo Nunez, of Pantera Boat in Miami, United States (U.S.) said that they are also qualified racers of Pantera Boat Racing Team.

Jo gave a brief history of their business, stating that they have been making boats since 1975, including custom made ones of all sizes.

Pepe said they manufacture quality boats and are in Guyana to share their experience and skills.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be responsible for conducting the practical demonstration activities, such as sea run, high speed manoeuvres, mooring alongside, stemming a buoy, radio use and firefighting.