AGREEMENT has been reached on the need for greater cooperation and collaboration between the Private Sector and the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband in order to tackle illegal movement of the commodity, which has the potential of harming some businesses. The parties agreed to promote the partnership in a meaningful way by developing a mechanism that would facilitate regular contact with the Task Force and its constituent membership in a number of practical ways, including the sharing of information.

The consensus was reported following last Monday’s meeting convened by Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, involving the two sides at his ministry in Brickdam, Georgetown to discuss topical issues and concerns.

The Private Sector representatives included the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GM&SA); the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce, which was represented by the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, the East Berbice Chamber of Commerce, and the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce.

A press statement issued afterwards said the gathering was arranged as part of the ongoing Task Force programme to have engagements with critical stakeholders; listen to their concerns about the smuggling of fuel and contraband; accept suggestions from them that are aimed at improving the efforts of the participating agencies to suppress the illegal activity; and arrive at practical solutions to address the issue.

Holistic manner

The statement said the Task Force Chairman took the opportunity to apprise the invitees of its composition, its mandate, and the collaborative efforts that are being made to address the crime in a holistic manner.

It said free, frank and cordial discussions were held by the parties on ways to better address smuggling in Guyana, and some of the matters talked about included the regularisation of the back track crossings at Corentyne, Berbice.

However, it was pointed out that those illegal crossing points had gained the active attention of the Task Force, but a careful study of the matter is being addressed by Central Government.

The Private Sector delegation was advised by the Task Force Chairman that draft whistle blower legislation is being studied at the Attorney General’s Chambers; and the Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) took the opportunity to offer the free services of his organisation to conduct audits of business places, on request, in an effort to assist in reducing the price of energy.