The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) welcomes the recent visit of Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, the Honourable Ashni Singh and the appointment of Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar to the Chairmanship of the Governing Board.

Both of these distinguished functionaries are well au-fait with the GRA’s roles and functions, having serving at the highest levels in public Finance and Budget, including oversight for the semi-autonomous organisation. The Authority recalls that it was Minister Singh who inked an agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the acquisition of the GRA’s first vehicular scanner and Mr. Kowlessar, who brought the Revenue Authority into being while serving in his capacity as the country’s Minister of Finance.

The Authority therefore expresses confidence in Mr. Kowlessar’s leadership as Chairman of the Governing Board and any policy directive that may be given by the Minister with respect to any functions he (the Minister) may consider necessary relating to policy, performance, discipline and control of all members of staff as outlined in the Revenue Authority Act of 1996.

Moreover, Management of the GRA has taken keen note of Minister Ashni Singh’s charge for the Authority to understand the crucial its role it must play where revenue collection is concerned at both the domestic and trade levels, particularly in an oil producing nation. More importantly, the Minister reminded that the timely delivery of quality service to the taxpaying public, and the firm stance against corruption, must be central to the Authority’s operations.

Management of the GRA looks forward to a meaningful and productive working relationship with the Minister and the Governing Board under Ms. Kowlessar, its newly appointed Chairman.

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