THE time has come when, as we pursue development, our efforts must be guided not only by clear policies, but by whatever is being done falling within the confines of the law. Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s pronouncement that operatives transacting business with the State will be required to satisfy their tax obligations has raised the ire of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo.The obligation in regard to paying taxes or being tax compliant is a responsibility of every individual who may be involved in transacting business or plying a trade within the borders of Guyana, bar none.

In this country, there have, over the years, been allegations of employers deducting income tax from workers and never remitting same to the Guyana Revenue Authority. There has been an upsurge in employed persons being asked to sign documents stating that they are responsible for paying their taxes, even as they are obligated to work eight hours per day in entities just like normal employees; and this practice is in contravention of the law.

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has also been exposed to similar intransigence by many of those same employers and self-employed persons. These categories of eligible insured businesses and persons are prepared to discharge their obligations only when they are faced with the responsibly of presenting NIS compliance certification to conduct their businesses, or when they want to claim benefits. On many occasions, they give commitments (written or oral) in regard to meeting their tax obligations, and renege on same after obtaining tax compliance certification.

It is obvious that there exists a culture wherein, over the years, when the laws are violated, rather than seeking to prosecute or hold violators to the letter of the law, external factors inform consideration for making decisions that are favourable to the causes of these persons, and this situation has caused many persons to escape being held accountable to the law.

The response by the Leader of the Opposition to the decision of the Government in making sure that those who are in any business or trade pay their taxes or justify why they should not pay indicates that among those who make the laws and swear to uphold the laws are persons who completely disregard the laws. The stories told over recent years about the rampant violations and sharing out of the national patrimony among families and friends are today being validated by the outburst of the Leader of the Opposition, who for twelve years was President, and even after that, held significant sway in the corridors of power.

Our parliamentarians are paid by the taxpayers, and anyone arguing against persons complying with the law in paying their taxes should attract the disapprobation of every concerned wage and salary earner, whose taxes are deducted from their earnings before they receive same.

Every citizen needs to remember that public services such as security, health, education, building and maintenance of highways, roads and bridges are all paid for by our taxes. For instance, if taxes are not paid, workers in the public healthcare institutions cannot be paid, neither can there be payment for pharmaceuticals or other support services that are needed for the citizens who cannot afford private services but do not have insurance coverage to pay for these necessary services. With the paying of taxes, citizens can also demand improved services in all sectors, like better schools and a professionalized public service and police force.

Given that our politicians on both sides of the aisle engage in conversations and back and forth exchanges about change and improvement in the delivery of governance, it is not unreasonable for citizens, whose taxes are paying them, to expect them to demonstrate responsibility in taking positions consistent with the law. The Leader of the Opposition is therefore urged to rethink his position and work towards ensuring every citizen shoulders his or her tax responsibility consistent with the Tax Act.