Customs enforcement in Lethem

Nov 08, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
I have just returned from a recent visit to Lethem, where I was so delighted in seeing and driving over the Takutu joining Guyana to Brazil.
The drive to and from Lethem was somewhat long, but yet an enjoyable journey with lots of sceneries, mountain ranges, savannahs, animals along the trail and so much more.
Though long, it was much shorter than my previous visits. We spent three days.
I was extremely pleased to see that the GRA has made efforts to curb smuggling by posting two officers in this area where our beloved country was losing a substantial amount of revenue.
From the look of things they have been doing a wonderful job since Banks Beer seem to have the competitive advantage, since the Brazilian beers are now being sold at a slightly higher price.
Businesses are now paying their taxes to import Alcohol products.
Persons have told me that the entire area is a duty free zone from Deep South through Lethem and ends at Kurupakari and that the GRA has imposed on them taxes for petroleum products, arms and ammunition, fuel, motor vehicles and alcohol. I would like to ask the people of the Rupununi how they expect the Government to build and maintain the schools, roads, hospital and so much more if revenue is not collected from this area.
My friends told me that since the enforcement team was established in this area lots of smuggling has ceased in Lethem, but still goes on in the South and North of Rupununi, where the beers are smuggled across the border which is in excess of 6–7 hours drive either direction, but from time to time the officers would go into those areas looking for uncustomed goods.
I heard they go on stakeouts; at all hours in the night they visit lonely and dangerous areas performing their duties, but because the Lethem area is so small people often tend to know their entire movements.
Nevertheless, I must commend Mr. Sattaur for this bold step in making every effort to curb the loss of revenue. To the officers I wish you great success and ask that you keep up the good work and that you continue to make us proud in performing your duties and hope that you don’t fall into temptation in deterring your objectives and purpose outlined by the GRA.
It is a very dangerous job these young men have been performing in attempting to increase revenue collection by preventing smuggling.
There are elements that would stop at nothing to prevent those guys from doing their jobs. Keep up the good work.
Mr. Sattaur allegations will be made about your officers, especially when people are caught with their pants down; remember your officers are doing their job and you need to protect them from these elements. When politics gets involve precedents are created and pressure is placed on your officers.
Sandra Singh

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Customs enforcement in Lethem

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Customs enforcement in Lethem

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