Tax-related issues on Guyana’s side of the Takutu Bridge have already been addressed and certain arrangements will be implemented upon completion of the multi-purpose centre at Lethem since the Guyana Revenue Authority has completed arrangements there.

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) at  her Takuba Lodge office Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Minister stated that she had been advised that the GRA has finalized arrangements that would address concerns regarding taxes that may be imposed on commodities imported from Brazil.

She said that according to information received by her ministry, the GRA has already provided the relevant information to the Chamber of Commerce in  Region Nine regarding taxable items, GINA reported.

Persons importing or exporting goods across the Takutu Bridge would then have to meet the necessary requirements at Lethem so that economic activities can continue.

Prior to the opening of the Bon Fim facility people purchased supplies for both business and personal use from Brazil and would transport these across the bridge to Lethem without paying taxes.

The multi-purpose building at Lethem which is expected to be completed and operational by June month-end  would iron out such issues. The centre is expected to be opened shortly so as to facilitate the opening of Guyana’s side of the Takutu Bridge to traffic.

However, GINA stated, the subsequent inauguration of the bridge would be scheduled based on the availability of both President Bharrat Jagdeo and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Rodrigues-Birkett also said, according to GINA,  that the Foreign Ministry is collaborating with the Ministries of Public Works, Agriculture, Home Affairs, the GRA and other agencies to ensure that all arrangements are made to accommodate the opening of Guyana’s side of the bridge. She said that some agencies have already begun transporting equipment to the centre in preparation for its opening.