Customs getting ready for Yuletide flow of barrels
by Wendella Davidson
THE Customs and Excise Department has begun to make preparations to deal with the expected influx of Christmas barrels, merchandise and homecoming Guyanese for the holiday season and the new millennium. The additional arrangements are aimed at facilitating a smoother and swifter clearance of shipments. Customs began implementing the additional arrangements in 1996, following a surprise visit to Customs House by the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan and then Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo. The visit resulted from the utter chaos which prevailed during the weeks in the run-up to Christmas, and even after the holidays. In addition, businessmen had levelled numerous complaints against the Department. Yesterday, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr Harold Bahadur, told the Chronicle that the Department has begun to draft its arrangements, although there are no significant signs of an increase in the flow of traffic. "The volume of traffic has to date not been what is anticipated, but we expect things will begin to pick up by monthend or the first week in next month," Bahadur added. Included in the plan is the temporary stationing of valuation officers at key shipping agencies to complement those personnel already on duty there. He said that a Permit Immediate Delivery (PID) system will be introduced to allow for the examination, valuation and delivery of gift barrels and other items at the respective transit sheds. However, the arrangements will only be put in place upon a request for same by the relevant authorities. Commenting on plans for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, the Senior Customs official said the initial agreement is to increase the staff of each shift, and to monitor the situation as time progresses. And should there be need for additional staff, they will be put in place. Asked about the status of revenue collection to date, the Deputy Comptroller said while the projected target of $16.1 billion for this year is in sight, there are still mounting concerns as the traffic is not as what was anticipated. According to Bahadur, some $3.8 billion remains to be collected during the last two months, a target that is easy when the situation is normal. He said, too, that businessmen had anticipated an increase in the spending power of consumers after the public sector wages pay-out, but that has not yet materalised Nevertheless, the Customs Department is confident that there will be a turn of events between next week and the second week in December, which will aid in the surpassing of the target.
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