Dear Editor,
I refer to the missive by Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia, published in your newspapers on 22 June 2019 in relation to allegations that seized vehicles were improperly disposed. My intention is not to question his response but to address a legal matter.
The Commissioner General notes that “The Authority will not disclose any additional information in relation to this subject, since it has a strict duty of confidentiality and must adhere to those rules in accordance with the provisions of the Revenue Authority Act, Chapter 79:01.” The Commissioner General is not accurate here as the Act provides at section 23 (1) that “No person shall, without the consent in writing given by or on behalf of the Authority, publish or disclose….” So as strict as these rules might be, permission may be granted for disclosure.
I don’t recall any questions being asked about the taxpayers from whom the vehicles were seized so this is not strictly tax information on the individuals that is being sought. This is about the disposal of state property and there have been enough scandals in this regard. The Commissioner General should therefore table all the facts to ensure there are no lingering questions.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
