Daily in Guyana’s PRINT and SOCIAL media, comments on the HIGH RATE OF CORRUPTION, but the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) BOARD, Commissioner and SENIOR MANAGEMENT are missing in action ???.
An URGENT NEED for GRA AUDITS for the EVIDENTIARY ALLEGATIONS for CORRUPT PERSONS GRA Tax Returns, with BANKS’ ACCOUNTS, ASSETS ( Cash, Building, Vehicles, Sports Equipment, Machinery, Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures, Fittings), LIABILITIES and INVESTMENTS Statements, TO MATCH taxpayers ANNUAL GRA TAX RETURNS.
For TAXPAYERS, their ANNUAL RETURNS with their ASSETS in Guyana and around the World, including USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, UAE, INDIA, CHINA, etc., INCLUDING, for President, Prime Minister, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Government Staff and Officials, at their ANNUAL INTEGRITY REPORTS from 2015 to currently.
GOVERNING BOARD
The Guyana Revenue Authority functions as a semi-autonomous agency and is governed by a seven (7) member Governing Board, which includes the Commissioner – General.
1 Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar: Chairman
2. Mr. Godfrey Statia: Commissioner-General, Governing Board
3. Dr. Gobin Ganga: Governor Central Bank, Governing Board
4. Mr. Lennox Benjamin: Member, Governing Board
5. Ms. Sonya Roopnauth: Director of Budget, Governing Board
6. Mr. Sukrishnalall Pasha: Member, Governing Board
7. Ms. Michelle Singh-Simpson: Corporate Secretary, Governing Board
https://www.gra.gov.gy/board-
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
1. Ms. Hema Khan: Deputy Commissioner-General
2. Mr. Rohan Beekhoo: Comptroller, Customs Excise and Trade Operations
3. Dr. Karen Giddings – Chapman: Director, Corporate Services
4. Mr. Jason Moore: Deputy Commissioner, Criminal Investigation and Tax Evasion
5. Ms. Hissaun Yasin: Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue-Legal Services Department
6. Mrs. Joy Persaud – Singh: Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue-International Taxation Law
7. Ms. Sharon Carrington: Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue – Petroleum Revenue Audit
8. Mr. Lancelot Wills: Deputy Commissioner, Customs Petroleum Unit, Customs, Excise and Trade Operations
9. Mr. Navindra Prashad: Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue – Large Taxpayers Division
10. Ms. Sherel Isaacs: Head, Operational Support Services
11. Mr. Ron Simboo; Head, Internal Revenue Department
12. Mr. Sese Jones: Head, Information Technology Department
13. Mr. Wayne Austin: Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue – Tax Audit
14. Mr. Gavin Low: Deputy Commissioner, Customs Excise and Trade Operations
15. Mr. Asif Karim: Assistant Commissioner, Inland Revenue – Tax Audit Department
16. Yonette Heyligar: Assistant Commissioner, Post Clearance Audit- Customs Excise and Trade Operations
17. Dawn Pickett: Assistant Commissioner, CJIA, EFCIA, GPOC, GEU – Customs Excise & Trade Operations
18. Claudette Irving – Hutson: Senior Manager, Special Investigation Unit
19. Ms. Ulanie Durant: Senior Manager, Internal Audit
20. Ms. Michelle Singh – Simpson: Corporate Secretary, Corporate Secretariat
21. Ms. Gail Butcher: Assistant Commissioner, Inland Revenue – Objections & Appeals, Tax Operations & Services
https://www.gra.gov.gy/about-
A SOLUTION, 5 Countries which used PRIVATE Professional Accounting and Auditing Firms for their Statutory Audits of ALLEGATIONS of CORRUPT WEALTH.
FIVE (5) countries have used PRIVATE professional ACCOUNTING and AUDITING firms to conduct STATUTORY AUDITS of government agencies, state-owned enterprises, INDIVIDUALS, and other entities to tackle REPORTEDLY CORRUPT WEALTH.
5 COUNTRIES Using Private AUDITING Firms
1. SOUTH AFRICA: The South African government has appointed private auditing firms, such as KPMG and PwC, to conduct forensic audits into state-owned enterprises, including Eskom and Transnet, to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
2. MALAYSIA: In 2018, the Malaysian government appointed PwC to conduct a forensic audit into the state development fund, 1MDB, which was at the center of a massive corruption scandal.
3. BRAZIL: The Brazilian government has used private auditing firms, such as KPMG and Deloitte, to conduct audits into state-owned enterprises, including Petrobras, to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
4. INDIA: The Indian government has appointed private auditing firms, such as PwC and EY, to conduct audits into state-owned enterprises, including banks and financial institutions, to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
5. NIGERIA: The Nigerian government has used private auditing firms, such as KPMG and PwC, to conduct audits into state-owned enterprises, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
BENEFITS of Using Private AUDITING Firms
Using private auditing firms can bring several benefits, including:
1. INDEPENDENCE: Private auditing firms can provide an independent and objective assessment of an entity’s financial statements and operations.
2. EXPERTISE: Private auditing firms have specialized skills and expertise in auditing and forensic accounting, which can be beneficial in investigating complex financial transactions and identifying potential corruption.
3. RESOURCES: Private auditing firms have the resources and capacity to conduct large-scale audits and investigations, which can be challenging for government agencies to undertake on their own.
It is ESSENTIAL to ensure that private AUDITING firms are appointed through a TRANSPARENT, COMPETITIVE and ARMS LENGTH PROCESS, and that their independence and objectivity are maintained throughout the audit process.
ADDITIONAL Benefits of Using Private AUDITING Firms
1. Enhanced Credibility: Private auditing firms can bring credibility to the audit process, particularly if they have a formidable reputation for independence and objectivity.
2. Access to Specialized Skills: Private auditing firms often have specialized skills and expertise in areas such as FORENSIC accounting, TAX auditing, and IT auditing.
3. Flexibility and Responsiveness: Private auditing firms can often respond quickly to changing circumstances and can be more flexible in their approach than government agencies.
Examples of SUCCESSFUL Audits
1. MALAYSIA: 1MDB Forensic Audit: The forensic audit conducted by PwC into the 1MDB scandal in Malaysia is an example of how private auditing firms can help uncover corruption and malfeasance.
2. SOUTH AFRICA: Eskom Forensic Audit: The forensic audit conducted by KPMG into the Eskom scandal in South Africa is another example of how private auditing firms can help identify corruption and mismanagement.
3. BRAZIL: Petrobras Audit: The audit conducted by PwC into the Petrobras scandal in Brazil is an example of how private auditing firms can help identify corruption and malfeasance in state-owned enterprises.
CHALLENGES and LIMITATIONS
1. COST: Engaging private auditing firms can be expensive, particularly for large-scale audits.
2. CONFIDENTIALITY: Private auditing firms may be limited in their ability to disclose information about their audits, which can make it difficult to hold individuals accountable.
3. INDEPENDENCE: : Private auditing firms may face challenges in maintaining their independence, particularly if they have existing relationships with the entities they are auditing.
BEST PRACTICES
1. Transparent Appointment Process: Private auditing firms should be appointed through a transparent and competitive process.
2. Clear Terms of Reference: The terms of reference for the audit should be clearly defined and agreed upon.
3. Regular Progress Updates: Private auditing firms should provide regular progress updates to stakeholders.
4. Independent Review: The audit findings should be subject to independent review and verification.
Daily in the Guyana print and social media on the ALLEGATIONS of CORRUPTION, but the Commissioner is MISSING in action ???
WITH DUE RESPECT, The Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) seems to be ABSENT from addressing the RAMPANT CORRUPTION in Guyana, despite being a KEY PERSON in TAX administration and REVENUE collection .
As the head of the GRA, the Commissioner-General is responsible for ensuring that taxes are collected FAIRLY and EFFICIENTLY. However, with CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS flooding the media, it is concerning that the Commissioner-General has not been MORE VOCAL or VISIBLE in addressing these issues.
The GRA has various departments and units responsible for investigating and addressing TAX EVASION and CORRUPTION, including the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the Intelligence and Risk Assessment Unit. However, without strong leadership and CLEAR COMMITMENT to tackling corruption.
It is most essential for the GRA, Commissioner-General, to take an INITIATIVE-TAKING STANCE against CORRUPTION, ensuring that the GRA operates with transparency and accountability. This includes conducting THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS, imposing penalties on those found guilty of corruption, and ALSO, to work, to prevent corruption, WITHIN the GRA itself.
The people of Guyana deserve a FAIR, JUST and TRANSPARENT system, free from corruption and abuse of power. The Commissioner-General MUST take decisive action to address these concerns and restore trust in the GRA or move on from the position.
The Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has numerous Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities.
1. Leadership and Governance: The Commissioner-General is the chief executive officer of the GRA and is responsible for the overall management and direction of the authority.
2. Tax Administration: The Commissioner is responsible for the administration of taxes, including the collection of taxes, customs, and excise duties.
3. Audits: The Commissioner is responsible for conducting audits to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. This includes audits of taxpayers’ records and accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
4. Enforcement: The Commissioner has the power to enforce tax laws and regulations, including the imposition of penalties and fines for non-compliance.
5. Revenue Collection: The Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that all revenue due to the state is collected and accounted for.
6. Financial Management: The Commissioner is responsible for the fiscal management of the GRA, including budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
7. Reporting: The Commissioner is required to submit annual reports to the Minister of Finance and the National Assembly on the activities of the GRA.
FOR AUDITS, the COMMISSIONER has the POWER to:
1. Conduct audits: The Commissioner can conduct audits of taxpayers’ records and accounts to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.
2. Appoint auditors: The Commissioner can appoint auditors to conduct audits on behalf of the GRA.
3. Review audit reports: The Commissioner is responsible for reviewing audit reports and TAKING ACTION based on the FINDINGS.
Overall, the COMMISSIONER of the Guyana Revenue Authority is authorized by Statue to PERFORM a CRITICAL ROLE, in ensuring that the authority operates efficiently and effectively in collecting revenue and enforcing tax laws and regulations, including the authorization of FORENSIC, FINANCIAL and OPERATIONAL AUDITS to avoid and minimize CORRUPTION, with a HIGH PRIOROTIZATION, WILL and TIMELINESS.
KN. EDITORIAL. December 8, 2025 “ CORRUPTION and CRONYISM BLIGHT Guyana’s landscape. The wealth of all Guyanese is being siphoned off by a criminal few closely affiliated with the PPPC Government, while many are struggling to make ends meet. There is inequity in the sharing of the national patrimony, and incompetence in the distribution of the few dollars that the PPP/C Government spares for ordinary citizens. A political opposition of strength could be militant, but first it must get a better grip on the power of its role. “
https://www.
Guyana INTEGRITY Commission (1997 Act # 20)
In 2025 can WE expect THIS COMMISSION to work on the MANY ALLEGATIONS of CORRUPTIONS by PUBLIC OFFICIALS at all Levels ???
VISION: “To improve Public Confidence in the Integrity of Persons in Public Life.”
MISSION : “Securing the Integrity of PERSONS in PUBLIC LIFE.”
MANDATE : Administering and enforcing the Integrity Commission Act which comprises of the Code of Conduct, and Declarations of INCOME, ASSETS and LIABILITIES.
Code of Conduct
1. Aims to foster the core values in the Public Service
2. Helps to encourage responsible behavior.
3. Promotes an identity statement for the Public Service
4. Allows Public Service workers to benchmark their performances.
5. Acts as a mechanism for curbing unfair treatment in the Public Service
6. Provides a measure of consistency in dealing with key issues in the Public Service
https://www.
https://www.
Above: LINK to ACT
https://www.
Above: LINK to DECLARATION FORM with 5 Pages
The Guyana Integrity Commission is an independent agency established to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life. Overview of the Commission’s BOARD, STAFF, and RESPONSIBILITIES:
https://www.
BOARD
1. Chairman: Appointed by the President of Guyana
2. Deputy Chairman: Appointed by the President of Guyana
3. Members: 5-7 members appointed by the President of Guyana, representing various sectors of society
STAFF
1. Commissioner: Head of the Commission, responsible for its day-to-day operations
2. Deputy Commissioner: Assists the Commissioner and assumes responsibilities in their absence
3. Investigation Officers: Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct
4. Administrative Staff: Provide support services for the Commission’s operations
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Investigating Misconduct: Investigate allegations of misconduct, including corruption, abuse of power, and conflict of interest
2. Conducting Hearings: Conduct hearings to gather evidence and testimony related to investigations
3. Making Recommendations: Make recommendations to the President, Parliament, or other relevant authorities regarding disciplinary action or other measures
4. Promoting Integrity: Promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life through education and outreach programs
5. Receiving Declarations: Receive and review declarations of assets, liabilities, and income from public officials
6. Monitoring Compliance: Monitor compliance with the Integrity Commission Act and other relevant laws and regulations
7. Presidential Report & Financial Statements: Annually to PRESIDENT and AUDIT OFFICE of GUYANA to be AUDITED.
POWERS
1. Subpoena Power: Summon witnesses and require the production of documents
2. Search and Seizure: Conduct searches and seizures of property and documents
3. Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of investigations and proceedings
WE COLLECTIVELY EXPECT, HOPE and WISH for, The Guyana INTEGRITY COMMISSION and the AUDIT OFFICE of Guyana, TO EXECUTE THEIR CRUCIAL double ROLES in promoting transparency and accountability in public life. Its independence and powers enable it to EFFECTIVELY investigate and ADDRESS misconduct, promoting a CULTURE of integrity in Guyana.
Some NAMES of past and present members of the Guyana Integrity Commission.
Please note that THE NAMES may NOT be up-to-date or exhaustive, as the composition of the Commission’s BOARD and STAFF, may CHANGE OVER TIME. Limited information on their website.
BOARD MEMBERS
1. Justice Cecil Kennard (Chairman)
2. Ms. Shelly-Ann Fraser (Deputy Chairman)
3. Mr. Eric Phillips
4. Ms. Sandra Jones
5. Mr. Rajendra Poonai
6. Ms. Annette Arjoon-Martins
7. Mr. Kumar Doraisami
STAFF
1. Ms. Monica Cummings (Commissioner)
2. Mr. Ameer Ali (Deputy Commissioner)
3. Ms. Tessa Garrido (Investigation Officer)
4. Mr. Marlon Williams (Investigation Officer)
5. Ms. Nadia Persaud (Administrative Officer)
6. Liza Hanoman ( Legal & Compliance Officer)
7. Dr. Amanda Jaisingh (Secretary)
8. Ms. Robin Grimes (Accountant)
BOARD MEMBERS
1. The Hon. Mr. Justice (Ret’d) Seymour Panton, OJ, CD: Chairman
2. Mrs. Pamela Monroe Ellis, FCCA, CA: Commissioner
3. The Hon. Justice (Ret’d) Lloyd Hibbert, CD: Commissioner
4. Mr. Eric Crawford, CD: Commissioner
5. H. Wayne Powell O.D., J.P.: Commissioner
The Integrity Commission’s DUTIES include:
1. Ensuring that public officials maintain high standards of integrity
2. Improving government’s transparency, accountability, and good governance standards
3. Receiving and verifying financial declarations from public officials
4. Investigating complaints of misconduct, corruption, and impropriety by public officials
5. PRESIDENTIAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: A PRESIDENTIAL REPORT at the beginning of a NEW YEAR for the PREVIOUS YEAR is submitted to the PRESIDENT and a Financial Statement is prepared and submitted to the AUDIT OFFICE of Guyana TO BE AUDITED.
Onward & Upward towards, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
