THANK you for the opportunity to respond to the anonymous author who penned the letter captioned
“The TRIPS System tripping us up, goods are left on the wharf for months”, published in the January 15, 2011 edition of the Stabroek News.  The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is unclear as to what the writer is referring to and believes that his/her frustration might be somewhat misplaced. While it is okay to be frustrated, it is not okay to pen such hyperbolic statements, when the GRA has put numerous systems in place to ensure greater efficiency at the wharves and Customs in general. Over the last two years the organization has put systems in place to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to do business with the GRA, particularly at the Customs and Trade Administration and wharves in order to execute its mandate of trade facilitation. To this end, the organization has:

1. Instituted a help desk at the Customs and Trade Administration Department, Main Street, to facilitate the answering of queries with regard to declarations made by importers. Therefore, importers who encounter problems with the clearing of their cargoes can seek assistance.

2. The GRA has spent large sums to implement a risk profiling system to ensure that only those goods that are labelled ‘high risk’ are targeted for one hundred percent (100%) examination, and to deal appropriately with those labelled medium and low risk. In all instances the GRA endeavours to treat  all consignments in an expeditious manner. This system has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of time it takes to process declarations. Hence, it takes one to three days depending on the level of risk.

3. Thirdly, the organization has moved a step further to set up status monitors in the lobby of the Customs and Trade Administration Building, and at two city wharves (John Fernandes and GNSC), which allows persons to view the status of their entries rather than wait on a clerk to tell them what is the status. Importers can therefore track the process to determine if their cargo is due for release or will be held for inspection. The information on these monitors is always current and seeks to promote transparency so as to avoid fingers being pointed at Customs Officers when shipments are not released promptly.

With these initiatives, which have been lauded by private sector bodies and individuals, in place, one wonders why the writer would seek to make this a public issue, rather than engage the GRA to have the matter addressed.
The Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS) is a magnificent piece of software which has not yet been fully implemented. Because of the nature of the organization, the system has to be implemented in phases to avoid major disruptions to work and inconvenience to stakeholders. Hence, like other Information Technology (IT) systems, the TRIPS is subject to upgrades for improved efficiency and transparency. As we implement and test, there will be minor disruptions, but other mechanisms will be in place to ensure the processing of entries.
The GRA recognizes the need for IT efficiency in trade facilitation and will continue to seek opportunities to fully exploit the capabilities of TRIPS. Where there is need for significant disruption, the public will be informed. Persons are therefore encouraged to make full use of the facilities provided, and to desist from being mischievous.
The GRA has over the years, sought to put systems in place to boost the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of its operations and services offered to the public. The time has come for ‘investigative pieces to be done acknowledging the organization’s efforts, instead of uninformed letters and articles penned out of ‘sheer frustration’ that seek to tarnish the image of the Authority.