The Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Kurshid Sattaur has since submitted a report of the Investigation into the re-migrant duty free scam. An investigation into the scam was ordered by President Bharrat Jagdeo in the face of reports of irregularities discovered in the granting of duty free concessions to re-migrants under the vehicles scheme.
The GRA's report has identified a series of deliberate acts by Public Officers who violated criteria in the process, as well as negligence by other Public Officers who authorised the granting of duty free concessions.
The Report dealt with Duty Free Concessions granted to 86 re-migrants in August of 2003.
The Head of State also directed seizure of all vehicles granted under questionable circumstances and cancellation of other concessions.
He directed that the persons identified in the scam either be sent on leave or dismissed to allow for an investigation. This was done. The Secretary to the Treasury and officials of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were sent on Special leave pending the investigation.
The report is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police.
GINA's roving cameras caught up with some members of the public. Here is what they had to say about Governments efforts in the fight against corruption:
Denise Sancho: I think it was a great move by the President to fight corruption and I hope this is just one of the actions he will take. Guyanese need to see a Government that is ready to take the bull by the horns and try and make a difference.
Daniram Samaroo: It shows that the President is doing something about the corruption in the country. An investigation is being carried out to see who are the persons involved in this scam and I think it was a good move by the President to get rid of corrupt elements.
V. Williams: He is doing a good thing to fight corruption and I think he should continue because in the long run people would remember him as a person who does not stick nonsense.
Heeralall Ramsaroop: No corruption is good and I think that President did a good think by following up the matter rather than sweeping it under the rug. I also think he should investigate some of the allegations that have happened in the past. From the uncovering of the scam, look at the amount of money that was going down the drain.
Yonette Martin: The President should continue to look into these corrupt actions because there is so much going on and I hope persons who are involved in such activities beware - because they can go to jail.
Vilma Da Silva: As a leader, if he wants to stamp out corruption, that is the way he has go because a lot of things are going on and the bigger ones up there have to set the example for Guyanese. I think he is doing a good job.
Melissa Williams: The launching of the investigation is a good thing, and I think that was the admirable thing to do in an effort to fight the dishonesty.
Telesa Profitt: If there is corruption how can a country run smoothly? I think it was a good idea for the President to have an active investigation into the scam.