GRA’s chief sounds warning to corrupt staffers

Oct 28, 2016 News

In wake of discoveries about malpractice committed recently by officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, has warned staffers of zero tolerance.

GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia

Statia, who took over the helm of the state’s tax collection agency over 12 weeks ago, called a general meeting on Wednesday at GRA’s Camp Street headquarters, and made it clear that he would not tolerate any forms of corruption.
“Having been at the helm of the authority for just about twelve weeks and being translucently clear at the onset that he has a no-nonsense approach to bribery and other forms of corrupt practices, Mr. Statia reiterated that in addition to honesty and integrity, professionalism must be paramount, especially in an organisation where officers are sworn to secrecy,” GRA said in its statement.
Wednesday’s meeting may have been hastened with the recent discovery of forged documents relating to the importation of two all terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Kaieteur News reported last week that two employees were arrested after authorities detected a forgery in the name of Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Hema Khan.
The two employees allegedly forged documents purporting to show that the ATVs were subjected to duty free concessions.
By the time the fraud was detected the vehicles were already sold. The probe is now being focused on the buyers of the vehicles. One of them has already reportedly offered to pay the required duty.
A source close to the GRA said that the authorities are no longer interested in transferring corrupt staff members. They would be handed over to the police.
Also to face the law are the other beneficiaries of the fraud.
According to GRA, the oath of confidentiality and secrecy is stated in the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01, Section 4 (1) with all officers sworn to accept same as part of their conditions of employment with the authority.
According to Statia, he intends to rid the GRA of the wrongdoing that has tarnished its reputation in the past by dealing “condignly” with those who insist on bringing the Revenue Authority to disrepute.
Meanwhile, GRA appealed for members of the public to play their part in the process by avoiding any form of collusion with staff, such as payment of monies for services offered by the authority.
“Members of the public are just as guilty should they aid and abet the commission of an offence by willingly participating in any clandestine act and may also be subject to prosecution.”

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