Dear Editor,
Concern has been mounting over the dismal failure by the Customs and Excise Department in Anna Regina, Region 2 to suppress illegal activities which are widespread throughout the district and can undermine the economy.
During a recent visit there from my own observation there were many employees who appeared to have little or nothing to do. There has been a tremendous escalation in the commission of offences that fall under the jurisdiction of the agency. Very many unlicensed liquor shops operate throughout the district and their number continues to increase.
Many business places also operate without a licence. My understanding is that there are four permanent officers in the Customs & Excise Department who are confined to desk work. However, there is no justifiable reason to have so many employees doing desk work.
Legitimate liquor businesses from which government derived revenue have had to close because of unfair competition from the flourishing illegal ones from which not a cent is derived in revenue. This is really a retrogressive situation, moreso when taking into account the fact that in this year’s budget legitimate liquor places have to pay increased licensing fees when the illegal ones pay nothing and function in dingy conditions.
Even with all these Customs officers decked out in uniform, the district is still being inundated with uncustomed and prohibited items. Alcoholic beverages are being sold in mobile vehicles engaged in the selling of foodstuff, etc, without licences, and moreso in broad daylight.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
