Region Three benefiting from VAT 'talk tent'
Stabroek News
February 1, 2007
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is conducting Value-Added Tax (VAT) outreach exercises in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).
In a press release the GRA said it has been meeting with businesses and consumers countrywide to continue to inform them about VAT implementation. The GRA said on Monday the advisory and compliance teams visited several West Demerara areas to ensure that they are honouring their obligations under the new tax system and advising them on corrective measures as well.
The GRA also hosted a public 'talk tent' meeting at Patentia Primary School to allow consumers to voice concerns about the VAT and its effects on their livelihoods. The release said the focus of the meeting was to allow both consumers and businesses to share their views and to resolve to co-operate to implement the tax.
GRA Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur at a workshop hosted at the Regency Suites Hotel, said the implementation of VAT has not been as smooth as was intended. He encourages businesses and consumers to "bear with the situation as he is confident and hopeful that the system will work and in a few months Guyanese will start receiving the benefits of VAT." Sattaur said consumers are already benefiting as several businesses have begun to lower their prices.
The GRA said VAT visits and public meetings will be held in the region until tomorrow. The team will move on to other regions next week.