Georgetown: The capacity of the enforcement and investigative division of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be enhanced with the donation of several pieces of equipment by the United States Government.
A quantity of handcuffs, safety gloves and protective helmets was handed over today, by US Ambassador Mr. Perry Holloway at GRA’s headquarters, Camp Street.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan thanked the ambassador for his country’s generous donation. He added that he is hopeful that Guyana will continue to receive more support for its effort to root out corruption.
The Minister explained that Guyana needs a tax collection agency that is able to function effectively and the equipment received will be of much assistance. “We need an organisation that enforces the laws of this country, fairly but formally. We need an organisation that is dedicated to the task that is making GRA a premier tax collecting agency,” the Minister stated.
Further, Minister Jordan hinted that measures will be announced in the 2016 budget that will be directed to “strengthen the enforcement of GRA and its ability to collect taxes.” According to Minister Jordan, the measure will target areas that have not received attention before, and taxpayers who do not pay their dues.
Ambassador Holloway noted that Guyana depends on GRA being able to carry out its duty in a professional and transparent manner and the equipment will aid in that effort. “The donation of equipment that we are doing today is specialised equipment that will help the men and women who work on a daily basis to root out contraband and smuggling,” the ambassador stated.
Minister Jordan noted that the GRA has a bright future ahead and urged staff members to “move forward with confidence, hope, aspiration, dedication, determination.”
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