Dear Editor,
Without exaggerating, there could well be more, but not less than one thousand locations from where the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages takes place in Region 2. This shows that the interest of the state is not well and truly protected in the district.
And despite the fact that this is an offence under the law, it is prevalent in almost every village on the coastland, at various grants in Pomeroon, in Amerindian settlements and other residential areas in the backlands, like D 7, Lima Sands, Little Red Village, etc, with law enforcement shirking its responsibility to take appropriate action to curb the lawlessness.
It is amazing that despite the existence of a Customs and Excise department which was established in the town some years ago, the malpractice flourishes to such an extent.
The department which seems to be overstaffed with some employees immaculately and impressively decked out in uniform, was expected to handle any infractions expeditiously but this is not being done. I am of the belief that a lot of taxpayers’ money is just being wasted on this department.
It can be verified that the owners of many legitimate liquor businesses from which government derived revenue were faced with closure because of unfair competition from unlicensed outlets which make no financial contribution to the economy whatsoever. Complaints to the department by the licensed owners for protection against the unfair competition were never entertained and it is for this reason the district is now dominated by so many unlicensed liquor premises. With less expense being involved in running an unlicensed shop, owners can afford to sell more cheaply and thus attract more customers. What is needed is for the law to be enforced so there is a level playing field.
Concerns have been raised too about the inundation of prohibited and uncustomed goods being peddled and about some mobile foodstuff vehicles selling alcoholic beverages without a licence on the public road when making house-to-house deliveries.
In years gone by there was only one Customs Officer stationed in a cramped office in the then District Commissioner’s building at Suddie, and from my own knowledge I can say that action was taken expeditiously to apprehend and prosecute anyone in breach of the law.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
