Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 15, 2017 Letters
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to a letter published in the Tuesday, June 13, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News, penned by M. Craig in which the writer attempted to make a case as to why the GRA should not ban the use of smartphones. Additionally, the writer made allegations relative to conditions faced at the GRA which are far from accurate.
Had close attention been paid to the Commissioner General’s remarks or maybe had the reporting on same been tailored differently, the general public would understand that Mr. Statia indicated that the restriction on the use of smartphones was simply a measure under consideration as the Authority fights to maintain the integrity of Taxpayers’ information.
Further, this initiative is being considered to ensure employees of GRA as well as persons visiting highly sensitive areas to conduct business are limited in their ability to copy such information and make it public. This new initiative at protecting Taxpayers’ information may seem retrogressive. However, the same persons so opposed may turn around and heavily condemn the Commissioner General and the Revenue Authority as a whole, if their information is somehow leaked.
Our letter writer then turned attention to GRA’s ability to operate efficiently where the criticisms proved that the letter writer is clearly not a visitor to the Agency. Firstly, the use of a number system is one that is practiced worldwide and it has been proven to work effectively. Finally, had the writer visited the GRA head office recently, he/she would have recognised that there is no longer a tent.GRA has constructed a modern, air conditioned waiting area for taxpayers where internet access is available. Further, given that this area does not contain sensitive information, any restriction would not extend thereto.
While the GRA appreciates the opinions of the general public, persons expressing their opinions should first update themselves with all the details relating to the issues they wish to raise. As a reminder, GRA welcomes constructive criticisms, and excellent taxpayer relationship. The Authority also wishes to advise that it is strives everyday to constantly improve its taxpayer relations. The admonition by Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia about possible sanctions should there be a continued breach of confidentiality at the GRA, was criticized as “creating a repressive atmosphere” by another letter writer in the June 12 edition of Kaieteur News.
In response, the GRA would like to use this opportunity to remind the general public about the Oath of Confidentiality and Secrecy that every officer of the Authority is bound under law to take, and honour regardless of his/her conviction or persuasion. This Oath is founded in law, particularly in Section 4 (1) INCOME TAX ACT and Section 23 of the Revenue Authority Act.
Section 4 (1) INCOME TAX ACT, Chapter 81:01 states Every person who has any official duty or is employed in the secrecy administration of this Act shall regard and deal with documents, information, returns, assessment lists and copies of those lists relating to the income or items of income of any person, as secret and confidential, and shall make and subscribe a declaration in the form prescribed to that effect before a magistrate.
In accordance with Section 23 of the Revenue Authority Act, Cap.79:04, the GRA wishes to state that no person shall, without the consent in writing given by or on behalf of the Authority, publish or disclose to any person other than in the course of his duties, or when lawfully required to do so by and court or under any law, the contents of any document, communication or information whatsoever, which relates to, and which has come to his knowledge in the course of his duties under this Act.
Unfortunately, adherence to these laws has not been forthcoming in some regard, and some unscrupulous staff have been leaking information to the public at large, including the press. These unlawful actions do not augur well for the integrity and by extension the mandate of the GRA. While the Authority respects the right of every citizen to their opinions on many of its shortcomings, there should also be advocacy for interventions that seek to promote professionalism to remedy compromises and no-tolerance for those who breach confidentiality. The Authority welcomes any information from the general public that would allow for these persons to be condignly dealt with.
Melissa Baird
Manager (ag)
Public Relations Unit
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