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Paper merchant believes he is being victimized by Customs
Paper merchant Ronnie Jodha is hoping that the relevant authority will look into a plight that he
Paper merchant, Ronnie Jodha
has been faced with for far too long. The businessman is convinced that he is being victimized by persons within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA’) s Customs arm.
Jodha, a remigrant from Canada, has been operating Plus Printing at 207 Yubani Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara for close to two decades, thus he is required to import large quantities of paper. He previously operated a similar business in Canada.
While the man is happy to be home and offer the much needed service here, he believes that deliberate efforts are being made to frustrate his operation. “Everything I bring in this country of recent, regardless of what it is, they flag it…they don’t honour my invoices…” said a distraught Jodha.
And this has been the state of affairs, the man said, although he is believed to be the largest provider of paper in the country. According to the man, he pays all the necessary taxes and operates in a transparent manner but yet person(s) seem to be out to victimize him.
He, during an interview with this publication, chronicled a series of recent events which he claims are too much for him to keep silent any longer.
According to the man, he recently facilitated the shipment of a container of paper from Canada for his business. The container was slated to arrive on June 4, 2015 but as usual upon its arrival here the container was flagged for attention by “Risk Management” on June 11. The container, which up to press time was still at the John Fernandes Wharf, was okayed for 100 per cent inspection. “I told someone there (Customs) do what they have to do,” said Jodha. He said that he was particularly disappointed since he was of the opinion that the container would have been processed immediately.
The delay in processing means that Jodha is expected to pay US$60 per day demurrage fees. “Tell me how this can be right?” said the man who pointed out that while he has no problem with the inspection he is always subjected to, the delay is considerably affecting his operation.
This, according to the man, is tantamount to unfair treatment since the paper business is a competitive one. He disclosed that while he is required to pay his regular 20 per cent duty, which he pays without question, his concern is related to the stalling of his merchandise. This according to him, means that his competitor(s) will more than likely have an advantage over him. “In my view the playing field is not level…” said Jodha who is optimistic that his highlighting of the situation would see an improved Customs operation that is fair to all.
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