GRA says showed flexibility over Customs Chief car concession

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday said it had shown flexibility as it relates to a car concession for its Customs Chief, Lancelot Willls.

A release from the GRA said it had noted various articles and letters appearing in the Kaieteur News on a vehicle imported by Wills, who is Deputy Commissioner, Customs, Excise and Trade. 

Lancelot Willls

The GRA stated that eligible staff who have three years of service remaining with the Guyana Revenue Authority qualify for tax exemptions on a motor vehicle which is four years and older. Those who have five years or more years of service remaining with the GRA are qualified for tax exemptions on a motor vehicle which is under four years old.

It said that Wills is eligible and was so granted permission to import the said vehicle.

“The marginally higher “CC” permission was granted based on his responsibilities and job specifications which entails “all terrain” use, and which requires nightly and daily commute and monitoring of customs activities etc.

“Given that the GRA is a body corporate and semi-autonomous agency governed by a board, there is allowance for some amount of flexibility with the public service policy as it relates to travelling scales and allowances”, the GRA said.

It said that it maintains a firm stand against acts of corruption and wishes to inform the general public that any information pertaining to all such activities should be reported and will be treated in utmost confidence.