The Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in his thrust to ensure transparency in transactions and to guarantee the integrity of the officers are validated, has taken the bold initiative of installing a 52-inch television monitor at customs house. At a meeting held on Friday July 23, 2010 in the Customs Boardroom with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Commissioner General of the GRA Khurshid Sattaur said: “I welcome the collaborative approach between the GRA and the private sector. It augurs well not only for the GRA but for businesses throughout the country.”
He announced that in the near future there will be more initiatives aimed at creating a higher level of efficiency and transparency. To this end, he noted that the GRA has in its employ new blood that will steer the entity in the right direction. He thanked the National Competitiveness Strategy Unit for spearheading and implementing new initiatives and measures for improving the business sector in Guyana.
President of the Guyana Customs Brokers’ Association Andrew Thorne commended the GRA on its use of monitors, saying that it will enhance the work of the brokers in terms of knowing where entries are when they are lodged. He said too that the system installed was a step in the right direction.
Chief Executive Officer of John Fernandes Limited Chris Fernandes said that the system is a historical development that has been long awaited and will reduce considerably the time taken and assist in overall efficiency in the import and export trade in and out of Georgetown.
Roubinder Rambarran, A Director in the PSC, in commending the GRA on its implementation said that it will improve the work of trade administration in Guyana. He pointed out that all of the PSC will support GRA and the National Competitiveness Strategy in implementing all of the initiatives in the Trade Transaction Studies.
According to Andrew Astwood, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana, the initiative will contribute to a general expeditiousness of trade in Guyana. Oscar Phillips, General Manager of Laparkan, during his brief remarks, said that it is seen as a positive step and should be combined with other initiatives to make a major impact on trade facilitation within Guyana. He said too that it gives a fresh look taken by the GRA through its younger officers who are looking to continue the process of moving competitiveness to another level.
The GRA said that with the establishment of the desk and mounting of the monitor will boost overall efficiency. “The monitor is two-fold. It provides information regarding the status of entries for importers and brokers, as well as pertinent tax information, tips and general guidance in relation to the clearance of goods by brokers and other importers.
According to the GRA release, the system offers self-service and information can be accessed by importers and brokers inputting the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The information displayed includes the declaration reference number (HQRCU, the current status of the entry and the date of the entry was lodged.  The implementation of this system attests to the collaboration between the Information Technology Department, the Customs and Trade Administration and the public. According to the GRA release, plans are in the pipeline to have similar screens installed at wharves. The project was funded by GRA as another way of providing comfortable and efficient service to taxpayers.