Weigh all VAT facts -- Sattaur urges parties
Guyana Chronicle
January 13, 2007
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has attacked the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) over recent statements regarding the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT).
At a press conference yesterday afternoon, in the National Communications Network (NCN) studio, on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, GRA Commissioner General, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur called the statements “careless and ill-informed.”
He said they are troubling because there was ample time for the Opposition to air their concerns during the parliamentary debates and discussions which took place before passage of the law.
“The fact that these issues were not prominent as early as August last year, when the opportunities presented themselves for politicising, indicated acceptance and approval,” Sattaur posited.
“It must be patently obvious to anyone that the efforts of the GRA in preparing the nation to administer this most fundamental tax reform measure are being threatened from this level of political interference,” he added.
The PNCR, in its weekly press statement, claimed that the VAT implementation process is uncaring and has resulted in “draconian” price increases.
The party said public opinions, parliamentary debates and constructive suggestions have failed to produce any results with the governing party, so far.
But Sattaur appealed to the leadership of all political parties to educate themselves on the relevant issues affecting the smooth transition toVAT.
“We call on these parties to weigh all the facts relating to the issues and to exercise good judgment in determining their merit,” he exhorted.
Sattaur said all stakeholders should behave in a manner that would serve to help the nation by helping GRA to carry out its statutory functions.
According to him, VAT requires a “strong will” on the part of all stakeholders to “hold strain” and work cooperatively.
If unscrupulous businesses succeed in their campaign to “hoodwink the political directorate” consumers will be further exploited, Sattaur warned.
He reiterated that the VAT will have a positive impact on the lives of Guyanese after it is implemented.
campaign to convince the Guyanese nation of the many positive effects of this new tax reform measure, including the most cogent being the effect on the cost of living of the ordinary citizens of this country,” Sattaur reported.
The Commissioner General said VAT will accelerate progress in the country that was, far too long, caught up in the stranglehold of unscrupulous business practices by some, in the areas of under-invoicing, fraudulent reporting of their taxes and cheating at the highest levels to avoid paying taxes.
He said some businesses have begun to realise the gains from doing business under the VAT and others are encouraged to emulate their courage.