Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin on Monday addressed concerns of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice shop owners over the seizure of items by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other problems.
A release from GINA yesterday said that twenty shop owners and representatives of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce, raised a number of issues including shops operating on State lands and therefore being unable to meet GRA licensing requirements; seizure of alcoholic beverages by GRA representatives under the Customs Act, and shop licence requirements for new tenants in mini-malls.
Gaskin, GINA said, emphasised the importance of all businesses operating within the laws of Guyana. The Minister said that a significant number of businesses are operating outside of the existing legal and regulatory safeguards and this has created a free-for-all in which no successful economy can develop.
He said that when it comes to the sale of food and alcohol, the regulations are very firm as in most countries. He noted that it appeared that the goods seized by GRA officials were mostly alcoholic beverages and called on the shop owners to ensure that they are licensed to sell such products.
GINA said that the shop owners have formed themselves into an association and are planning a collective approach to having their occupancy of the roadside area (state lands) regularised so that they can acquire licences.
GINA said that the Ministry of Business is working towards transitioning informal businesses to the formal economy.
