Dear Editor
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has noted the September 11, 2017 editorial of the Kaieteur newspaper, captioned ‘GRA’s Image.’
Even though most of the editorial has provided a somewhat accurate analysis of the mammoth task the new Commissioner-General Mr. Godfrey Statia is facing in his fight against corruption, it must be pointed out that some elements of the editorial are subjective and based on the editor’s opinion.
It is no secret that the Authority was and is still deeply embedded in a culture of corruption, where allegations of bribery and favouritism are synonymous with the acronym ‘GRA.’ Mr. Statia made his position clear from “day 1” and he personally communicated this to the entire agency. As Head of the Authority, he has worked to put numerous systems in place geared at minimising corruption, while systematically improving efficiency, compliance and revenue collection.
It is a common saying that ‘Rome was not built in a day.” As such, it would be ludicrous for anyone to assume that a culture that was created and festered for decades could be eradicated overnight. Yet, it must be conceded that during the last 13 months, there have been more corrupt officers disciplined than previously recorded for any previous period.
The allegation that “several senior officials at the GRA who are taking bribes, but they are deemed the untouchables’, is an acknowledgement that the editor may have in his/her possession information of corrupt practices. The commissioner-general has on numerous occasions requested the general public and all persons in receipt of such information to share same with the Authority. Such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality, and upon investigation allow for the termination of the services of such persons and the effective eradication of these practices. The commissioner-general again calls upon all stakeholders to work together to identify officers who are engaging in these unscrupulous practices, thereby allowing for a level playing field for all businesses and taxpayers.
Taxation is a social contract between the government and its citizens, and all taxpayers should pay their rightful taxes – no more, no less. The Authority again calls upon the tax-paying public to cease such collusion and bring to its attention, those unscrupulous employees and taxpayers engaged in these activities.
Regards
Public Relations Unit
Communication & Tax Advisory Services Division
Guyana Revenue Authority