I have just returned from a recent visit to Lethem where I was so delighted in seeing and driving over the Takutu joining Guyana to Brazil. The drive to and from Lethem was somewhat long but yet an enjoyable journey with lots of scenery, mountain ranges, savannahs, animals along the trail and so much more. Though long it was much shorter than my previous visits. We spent three days.
I was extremely pleased to see that the GRA has made efforts to curb smuggling by posting two Enforcement Officers in this area where our beloved country was losing a substantial amount of revenue. From the looks of things they have been doing a wonderful job since the Banks beer seem to have the competitive advantage since the Brazilian beers are now being sold at a slightly higher price than the Skol which used to be sold at $200 and sometimes less. Businesses are now paying their taxes to import alcohol products.
Persons have told me that the entire area is a duty-free zone from Deep South through Lethem and ends at Kurupukari and that the GRA has imposed on them taxes for petroleum products, arms and ammunition, fuel, motor vehicles and alcohol. I would like to ask the people of the Rupununi how they expect the Government to build and maintain the schools, roads, hospital and so much more if revenue is not collected from this area.
My friends told me that since the enforcement team was established in this area lots of smuggling has ceased in Lethem but still goes on in the South and North of Rupununi; where the beers are smuggled across the border which is in excess of 6 – 7 hrs drive in either direction but from time to time the officers would go into those areas looking for uncustomed goods. I heard they go on stakeouts and all hours in the night they visit lonely and dangerous areas performing their duties.
Nevertheless, I must commend Mr. Sattaur for this bold step in making every effort to curb the loss of revenue. To the Enforcement Officers I wish you great success and ask that you keep up the good work and that you continue to make us proud in performing your duties and hope that you don’t fall into temptation.
It is a very dangerous job these young men have been performing in attempting to increase Revenue collection by preventing smuggling. There are elements who would stop at nothing to prevent those guys from doing their jobs. Keep up the good work. Mr. Sattaur, allegations will be made about your officers especially when people are caught with their pants down; remember your officers are doing their job and you need to protect them from these elements. When politics gets involved precedents are created and pressure is placed on your officers.
Yours faithfully,
Sandra Singh
