Consultation hosted to assist non-compliant Linden businesses
In an effort to assist non-compliant proprietors of Linden businesses, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland recently
Kevin De Jonge president of the Linden Chamber of Commerce speaking to Linden shop owners in the presence of GRA officials and the LM&TC
held consultation with business stakeholders and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The Mayor indicated that the aim was to address issues relating to businesses in the community receiving the requisite licence in order to become compliant.
Prior to the meeting, Holland had urged the GRA to pause on a “crackdown” exercise in the community, which had resulted in several businesses being closed.
The owners of several delinquent businesses had raised concerns following the crackdown process which they indicated was done without due warning.
Holland, while acknowledging the need for timely dispatch of notices, had stated that business owners had acknowledged their error of not being compliant and expressed willingness to do so.
He said the campaign had affected the community’s economy as many had closed their doors in fear of their good being taken away as was the case with some.
The GRA in its mandate had moved to have all businesses regularised in order to rectify a trend of delinquent business practices. As such, business owners were urged to comply with requirements and obtain the necessary documentation from the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) in order to facilitate the compliance.
Also present at the consultation were GRA Commissioner General (ag) Ingrid Griffith, President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development, and ouncillors of the LM&TC.
Holland said many businesses have since commenced getting the necessary assistance from LM&TC.
Meanwhile, the GRA in a statement said shops and other business owners along with Kevin De Jonge, President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, at the meeting, provided plausible explanations for the prevailing non-complaint situation, citing a lack of knowledge and apathy on the part of businesses as some of the main contributing factors.
In response, GRA’s representatives urged that the Linden Mayor and Town Council take corrective action as regularisation of businesses/shops in the Town is its responsibility.
However, it was noted that though businesses within the Municipal Market are under the purview of the Town Council, butcher shops, tobacco traders and drugstores operating in the Market are required to apply to the GRA for licences.
