The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced its intention to reintroduce duty-free services to Georgetown.
GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia
This was declared to the public through an advertisement inviting expressions of interest from businesses willing to establish these diplomatic shops. The GRA is currently on a search for two suitable entities to provide goods and services to diplomats and foreigners at a tax exempted cost.
In an interview with Guyana Times, GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia stated that the move for the restoration of diplomatic shops was an effort to reduce the number of persons filing for tax returns. He further indicated that the facilities would be solely to serve diplomats and foreigners, who may incur taxes on products purchased here in Guyana. The two diplomatic shops are set to be established in Georgetown. Moreover, duty-free services will be introduced for incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with a duty-free diplomatic shop being constructed at the arrival lounge.
During the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration, there was a diplomatic shop called Sijan Plaza; however, owing to breaches in the contract to provide services only to non-locals, the facility was closed and the idea has been disregarded until this recent development.
The Commissioner General stressed on the strict measures which would accompany the reintroduction of the diplomatic shops as preventative measures against past discrepancies. He pointed out that there would be thorough vetting of the businesses expressing interest and only the most qualified would be given the go-ahead. Accreditation, location and experience are among the qualities which would be closely compared and assessed.
While duty-free shops are traditionally known as the sales place of liquor, confectionery and local merchandise, the GRA hopes to have a wide cross-section of products on sale at these new facilities. When implemented, foreigners should be able to purchase their entire monthly supplies without paying taxes and consequently reducing the need to file for returns.
As of Monday, the GRA has received two expressions of interest. The invitation to businesses, both local and abroad, will remain open for the remainder of the week.
Other Caribbean territories such as Trinidad and Grenada have had similar facilities in existence for a number of years. However, locals of these countries are generally allowed to utilise the services offered through the duty-free shops.
