Newly appointed Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, began his first few days on the job getting acquainted with staff at the Authority’s Camp Street Headquarters and at the different locations under Customs Excise and Trade Operations.
Statia, a Certified Accountant, Attorney and former Senior Deputy Commissioner of the then Inland Revenue Department, conducted his familiarisation tour accompanied by Deputy Commissioner-General Hema Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Customs Excise and Trade Operation Lancelot Wills, among other seniors.
Visits were made to Q-Trex International, John Fernandes Wharf and Terminal, Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC), Muneshwers Wharf, the GRA Goods Examination Unit and Scanner Operations at Lombard Street, the Demerara Shipping Company Limited (DSCL), Customs Boathouse, Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), the Eugene F Correia International Airport, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The presence of Customs officers are mandatory at these locations, oftentimes on a twenty-four-hour basis, given the frequency of cargo transportation and the tendency to smuggle.
Statia was introduced to the officers on the various sites, whose duties include examining containerised cargo and ship files, de-stuffing, rummaging and reporting of vessels and oil tankers.
He was updated on plans to improve some of the critical aspects of Customs operations, particularly with the peak season approaching. Facilities for improved record keeping and staff accommodation, the human resource and training needs, uniformity and promotion of officers, were some of the areas targeted.
Amidst the many handshakes and light conversations, the new C-G gave the assurance of his open door policy and resolute stance against corrupt practices, which have tainted the image of the semi-autonomous organisation in the past.
He also encouraged teamwork among junior officers and their senior counterparts, whom he has entrusted with the authority to make even-handed decisions, but must also adhere to standard operating procedures as required by the country’s tax, trade and border laws and regulations.
Statia officially commenced duties on Monday, July 25. He is also scheduled to visit the different regions in Guyana where GRA offices are located.
As outlined by the Revenue Authority Act of 1996, the Commissioner General “who shall be the Chief Executive of the Authority,” is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Authority, the management of its funds, property and affairs and the administration, organisation and control of its staff.