VAT prosecutions: Sattaur leaves court to dispense justice
Guyana Chronicle
January 13, 2007
COMMISSIONER General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur said yesterday it is up to the court to dispense justice in the cases of the two businesses which were prosecuted for alleged Value Added Tax (VAT) violations.
“I think the court is quite capable of dispensing justice,” he told a press conference in the National Communications Network (NCN) studio on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.
On January 5, the GRA summoned Muneshwers Limited, of Water Street and NP Home Department Store, in Middle Street, also in Georgetown, causing representatives of the two entities to appear in court on January 9, charged with failing to provide tax invoices.
The GRA met members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Wednesday and a commitment was made to reconsider the decision to proceed with court action against the two defendants.
The GCCI said, in a statement, that the charges were premature and urged the GRA to resolve the matter outside of the court system, having regard to Section 79 A of the VAT Act, which provides that Division 11 of the Act, relating to civil penalties, be first utilised before Division 1 which relates to criminal offences.
However, yesterday Sattaur said, although he gave the undertaking, he believes the matters are in a competent jurisdiction and would let them run the course.
Muneshwers Director, Mr. Robert Hanoman observed that Sattaur might have been caught up in the process of the new legislation but once he would have reviewed the matter, he might consider withdrawing the charges.
Hanoman said he is confident that justice will prevail and there will be no losers.
The next court fixture is for January 23.