"I am not investigating Lambert Marks but allegations in respect of two and 17 containers [imported by a businessman]," Commisassioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Edgar Heyligar, told Stabroek News yesterday.
He said Jameel Baksh, deputy commissioner of Customs and Trade Administration (CTA), was investigating whether the transactions related to the containers were conducted in a proper manner. Stabroek News yesterday reported that a junior officer could not investigate a senior officer according to the public service rules.
Further, Heyligar told Stabroek News that he never cited Marks for irregularity as was claimed in a Kaieteur News report nor did he speak to that newspaper on the issue. He said a reporter from another media house spoke with him and during his discussion he conceded that the nature of the transaction could allow for a perception of irregularity.
He said that the reporter in question had since apologised for carrying a misleading article on the issue.
It was the report in the Kaieteur News which sparked the controversy at the CTA leading to Marks accusing Heyligar of interference. Marks had also claimed to have evidence on corruption and murders, which he later backpedalled on when asked to produce the evidence.
Heyligar yesterday also stressed that irregularity did not necessarily mean corruption as an irregular transaction could simply be one which was not in keeping with the rules and regulations of the Customs Department.
Heyligar said that the investigation by Baksh was into 19 containers imported by a businessman in two shipments, whether these were handled in a proper manner and whether correct procedures were followed.
The commissioner-general had earlier said that there were allegations that the proper procedures were not followed in the importation of the containers and if any impropriety was found, those culpable would be dealt with.
Heyligar confirmed that a preliminary report was handed in to him by Baksh and among other unrelated issues it was found that there was an understatement of the tax. However, he said, he did not know when the final report by Baksh would be presented.
He added that the Governing Board of the GRA met on Monday and he spoke with the members on the issue.
He pointed out that the board would have to speak to Marks next as they continued their deliberations into the matter. He referred this newspaper to Board chairman, Lennox Benjamin but efforts to reach the latter for a comment on the issue were fruitless.