The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commissioned a new container scanner facility at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) wharf. This scanner will enable the country to meet international standards and detect illegal trading activities.
Completed via public-private partnership between the GRA and the GNIC, and with a scanner presented by the People’s Republic of China, the facility was commissioned on Monday in presence of GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, who noted that efforts to establish the much-awaited scanning facility have finally been realised, and this development would, in turn, advance trade with international agents and boost the revenue-collection system in Guyana.
“It is a known fact that the scanning facility will not only provide reduced trade transactions, cost and time in both imports and exports, but (would cater) also for the collection of increased revenues,” Statia said.
It was related that because such a security facility had been absent in the past, the country was on the verge of losing markets in the trades which it plied with international importers and exporters.
“Additionally, many countries to which Guyana (trades) requires scanning at source, and Guyana was in danger of losing these markets for lack thereof — of our failure (to meet) certain national trade guidelines for trade facilitation,” he said.
A number of wharf owners have, since 2016, been engaged by the GRA in relation to containers not being scanned, and also to find an effective solution. Owners of new wharves have been instructed to ensure that they equip their facilities with scanners, and owners of the old established facilities have been admonished to take the necessary steps to procure scanning equipment.
Finance Minister Winston Jordan has reiterated that the scanning facilities will protect Guyana’s revenues from potential scams. Scanners are also considered essential equipment to reduce the amount of illegal drugs entering the country by illegal means, among other issues.
“Indeed, this scanner is important and very welcome at this time. It forms a crucial coin in our anti-money laundering efforts to fight against illegal drugs and other activities,” Minister Jordan has said.
“There are drugs that are coming into the country for which I believe we haven’t paid careful attention, and these are potentially legal drugs which come from either illegal sources or don’t meet the minimum standards required for use,” Jordan explained.
He also commented on the good relationship the country has, over the years, shared with the People’s Republic of China.
“The relationship has stood the test of time, and it is equipment like these that give us hope that our relationship will continue to endure and flourish,” Minister Jordan said.
Along with this present scanner, the facility will, by the end of this year, also house a mobile scanner which is also donated by the People’s Republic of China.
