COMMISSIONER-GENERAL of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, took time off from his busy schedule to distribute tokens and light refreshments to staff and taxpayers at the authority’s headquarters on Saturday.

This show of appreciation came on the eve of the eighteenth (18th) anniversary of the establishment of the GRA, which is mandated by law to administer the country’s tax, trade, border laws and regulations.

In a release, the GRA said staff and taxpayers appreciation is a regular feature of the anniversary activities intended to say thank you to those who have been dedicating their time and effort to service, responsible enforcement and compliance with the tax laws on a daily basis. The January 26 press conference hosted by the commissioner-general and the visit to Mabaruma Region One for assessment of locations for a new tax office, was also in keeping with the anniversary activities.

The GRA was established on January 27 in the year 2000, following the merger of two departments, the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Department. This change was a result of the passing of the Revenue Authority Act, No. 13 of 1996. Mr. Edgar Heyligar was the first to occupy the post of commissioner-general. He was succeeded by Khurshid Sattaur and the incumbent Godfrey Statia.