I would like to start by making reference to the recent publication which appeared in the press regarding the new system which GRA will be implementing to inspect imports. As an elderly person who has been around for over 60 years, I am not often surprised by what occurs in our country. However, I was surprised when the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced that a new system for the examination of imports will soon be implemented by its Customs and Trade Administration Division. Apparently, the new system which is called ‘Random Selection for Examination’ is supposed to randomly select containers for varying degrees of examination using a risk-profiling system, which will examine goods in the presence of senior management of GRA, who are not related to the Customs operations, members of the private sector and other stakeholders.
I am of the opinion that this new examination system for imports is late in coming but as the old saying goes, “it is better late than never”. In this regard, the GRA must be commended for taking this bold, new initiative. According to what I have read and heard, the new examination system offers a high degree of transparency and efficiency and will detect any irregularities immediately. It is also good to note that the new examination system has the support of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the National Competitiveness Strategy Unit and other stakeholders.
I have noticed that over the past year, the GRA has been constantly upgrading and implementing new systems both at the Licence Revenue Office and at the Customs and Trade Administration Division in attempts to provide better customer service to the public and at the same time to combat corruption and unscrupulous activities by some businesses. These recent positive actions are indeed inspiring and prove that the GRA is serious about fighting corruption and increasing its efficiency in garnering tax revenue. Mr. Sattaur and his officers are encouraged to keep up the good work.
In concluding, I would like to urge Mr. Sattaur to implement the new examination system as soon as it is feasible, since some businesses are evading the payment of taxes.