Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 04, 2011 News
Minimizing Suriname smuggling activities…
Customs staff at the Corriverton Integrated Tax Office are now solely responsible for the discharge, storage and processing of import documents, examination and release of goods imported into Guyana from Suriname, according to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA.)
The revenue agency disclosed that this was done in an effort to minimize smuggling activities.
The functions of the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) have been streamlined with responsibilities for enforcement activities which include patrolling the waterways and roads to suppress smuggling activities.
In addition, a Revenue Protection Unit, similar to GRA’s Georgetown operations, has been established within BASS. This unit is responsible for the examination of Customs entries to review values, description, and classification of goods and will also determine when goods examination should occur.
Tremendous strides have been taken to regularize Customs operations at Corriverton. This is as a result of a meeting between senior officials of Guyana Revenue Authority and the Suriname Customs and Excise Department in Nickerie, Suriname, to discuss the mutual exchange of information and joint operations for the control of trading activities between Guyana and Suriname.
At that meeting the Guyana delegation was shown Customs clearance documents submitted by captains of boats leaving Guyana for Nickerie, Suriname. A perusal of the documents revealed forged signatures of Customs Officers and forged Customs stamp.
Several agreements were made at the meeting which has greatly minimized the level of tax evasion. A dedicated communication link has been established for senior officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Suriname Customs and Excise Department.
Mr. Jameel Baksh, Head, Integrated Regional Tax Offices noted, “This linkage has resulted in the daily exchange of information between the two countries, in respect of the number of boats entering and leaving both countries legally and the quantity and description of goods being imported and exported.”
In addition, “The requisite Customs documents required for boats leaving Guyana for Suriname, specimen signatures of GRA Officers authorized to sign Customs documents and a specimen of the approved stamp were sent to the Suriname Customs,” Mr. Baksh said
Boats leaving Corriverton, Berbice for Nickerie must fulfill the required procedures before they are allowed to load merchandise destined for Suriname.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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