– Finance Minister tells GRA staff
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has iterated his Government’s no tolerance for corruption stance to senior manager of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Wednesday during a re-familiarisation tour of the revenue body.
He said those found guilty of corruption must be dealt with condignly.
“You are to ensure that your staff understands that there is no tolerance for corrupt behavior. Harassment of tax payers, harassment of importers or others trying to conduct their business will be condemned and dealt with in the harshest possible manner,” he said.
Dr. Singh said over the years, the Revenue Authority has been grappling with its integrity admitting that “more needs to be done” to fix the problems.
He said the issue is a matter that “we feel strongly about at the highest level of Government,” while adding that any violation of the law and the code of ethics of the GRA must be dealt with condignly.
“We expect as a government the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the revenue administration. That is the charge President Irfaan Ali has given to his Cabinet and that is the charge that we are mandated to convey to all entities within our respective sectors. President Ali’s Government has no tolerance for corrupt behavior. And I want to say that in the most emphatic way possible,” Dr. Singh told the agency’s staff.
Meanwhile, the Finance Minister introduced newly appointed Chairman of the GRA’s Board of Directors, and former Finance Minister Sasenarine Kowlessar. (Modified from DPI)
