With over 300,000 persons visiting the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA’s) Camp Street HQ last year alone, staffers continue to lament the poor conditions they work under, even as Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh calls on the agency to implement reforms for world-class tax administration.
GRA Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, says that the tax collection body has been at the forefront of embracing technological advancements to enhance its performance, and has plans to increase those but agrees with his staff that they need better working facilities. However, he could not say when construction would start on the new headquarters and referred this newspaper to the relevant authorities.
“The authority has implemented state-of-the-art systems and digital platforms, making tax compliance easier and more convenient for individuals and businesses. By leveraging technology, the GRA has not only improved efficiency, but has also reduced the scope for corruption and enhanced transparency in tax administration,” Statia shared.
“Looking ahead, the GRA’s future is bright and promising. The authority recognises the need to continuously adapt and evolve in response to emerging challenges and opportunities. It is committed to staying ahead of the curve by harnessing innovative solutions, leveraging data analytics, and adopting best practices in tax administration,” he added.
Dr Singh last week called on the GRA to implement reforms for a world-class tax administration.
The Senior Minister was at the time delivering the feature address at an event to mark the GRA’s 24th anniversary which was held at the Pegasus Suites, Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown.
According to a release from the Ministry of Finance, Dr Singh congratulated the current Governing Board, Commissioner-General, and management and staff of the Authority, along with all of their predecessors, on the tremendous progress made in establishing an efficient single integrated tax administration, and complimented the GRA on its growth and achievements over the years.
The release said that the Minister emphasised the important role that the Authority is expected to play as Guyana navigates this period of rapid economic growth.
“He called on the Authority to implement the reforms necessary to make it a world class tax administration, efficient in the discharge of its tax collection function, while also maintaining the highest standards of taxpayer friendliness and business facilitation,” the release stated.
Instrumental
Asked about the Minister’s charge, Statia told the Sunday Stabroek, “The GRA has been instrumental in achieving remarkable performance in revenue collection for the government of Guyana. Through its tireless efforts, the authority has consistently surpassed revenue targets, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and development. This success can be attributed to the GRA’s efficient tax administration, robust enforcement mechanisms, and its ability to adapt to changing economic landscapes.”
He said that one of the key focus areas for the GRA’s future is enhancing taxpayer education and support. “The authority aims to further empower individuals and businesses with knowledge and resources to fulfill their tax obligations effectively. By providing accessible and comprehensive guidance, the GRA seeks to foster a culture of voluntary compliance and strengthen public trust in the tax system,” he stated.
“Additionally, the GRA is committed to expanding its collaboration with international organisations and tax authorities. In an increasingly interconnected world, cooperation is vital to combat tax evasion, money laundering, and other financial crimes. By sharing information, expertise, and best practices, the GRA aims to enhance its enforcement capabilities and contribute to global efforts in ensuring a fair and transparent tax environment.”
Moreover, he said that the GRA recognises the importance of continuous capacity building and professional development and that the authority “is committed to investing in its workforce, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of tax administration.”
Asked about the complaints of his staff, he agreed that more has to be done to put them in a comfortable environment but he could not give an update on plans for the building of the GRA’s new offices.
The Commissioner-General suggested that those questions be forwarded to the relevant government authority, as he too pointed out that the current head office “is getting too small for its staff.”
Employees of the GRA told this newspaper that they have also asked about the new office accommodation but no definitive answers are forthcoming, even as many lamented on their current working conditions.
Still leaks
“The building still has mold and still leaks when it rains, we are cramped into that office and year in and year out you hear that we will get a new building, land was identified, a new state-of-the-art office coming… and I could go on, but still nothing [a] day like today” one of the several employees the Sunday Stabroek spoke to lamented.
“I don’t stay here very long because the air quality is bad. I don’t know how those workers do it…Yes, I do believe that they should get a better office. This was a temporary fix but like all things in Guyana, nothing gets done until something drastic happens,” related an insurance broker who asked not to be named and was at the Camp Street office at the time of this newspaper’s visit.
Another employee said that to her it was “a nightmare” learning that she was being moved from duties at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and posted to the Head Office, because a friend of hers “had all kinds of medical problems” they attributed to working at the Camp Street Office. “People come here and they get vex and call us from this … but they don’t know how hard we work. Don’t worry with downstairs alone, go upstairs too and ask. You have to work though and pray that the conditions get better. I don’t complain really because some ministry get it worse than we….”
The employee said in this year’s over one trillion dollars budget there appears to be no allocation for improving the building or for a new headquarters.
In 2022, after this newspaper had disclosed that the state-earmarked land at Pattensen for the GRA Headquarters had been transferred to hotel developer, Pasha Global of Suriname, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo shortly after announced that the GRA headquarters would be built at Ogle.
He had explained that the decision to take away the Pattensen land from the GRA was one government is “conscious” of and it was not an attempt to “deprive” the agency.
In fact, he said the new GRA headquarters will be built near to the Ogle four-lane highway so that it can be easily accessible to the entire population following the completion of the various infrastructures that are being put up around the country.
“…We are now building this infrastructure in a way where when you come across the bridge of a four-lane road going to Parika, we are already upgrading the road going to the Wales, to the gas-to-energy project, you have a by-pass into Crane, come across the bridge, you then coming in, twelve lanes coming into the city. We said in the future to make sure that people from Region Three, the East Bank and the East Coast and then Georgetown, all have easy access to the GRA, that along the four-lane road which we just started, that is in the Ogle area, that is where the new GRA Headquarters will go,” Jagdeo explained.
“So people can come easily, they don’t have to come into the city. They can come on the highways from Region Three, East Bank, East Coast and Georgetown, easily and flow straight into that highway and that is where they will be located. And we have massive amounts of land there at Ogle,” he added.
But even as one senior staff pointed out, employees “need tools for work” and that the Camp Street office was insufficient, there is no word on when the new office building would commence.
By fostering a culture of learning and innovation, the GRA ensures that it remains at the forefront of excellence in tax administration.
GRA’s Commissioner-General says that the agency, notwithstanding the current conditions, has “demonstrated exceptional performance in revenue collection and tax administration.”
“As we look to the future, the GRA is poised to build upon its achievements, embracing technology, enhancing taxpayer education, and strengthening international collaboration. With its commitment to excellence and innovation, the GRA will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, ensuring fiscal stability, and promoting a fair and transparent tax system in Guyana.”
He said that along with taxpayers the agency will embrace their “bright future and work towards a prosperous and equitable society for all.”
“Over the years, the GRA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence, innovation, and service delivery. As we reflect on its accomplishments, we can also look forward to an even more promising future,” Statia said.
