GRA seeking to boost Enforcement arm’s firepower

At a press conference on Friday, Acting Commissioner General of the GRA, Ingrid Griffith, admitted that the problem is known and steps are now being taken to correct the situation.

GRA seeking to boost Enforcement arm’s firepower

The Guyana Revenue Authority is seeking to beef up the security of its members who are attached to the Enforcement Division.

In the past, members of the Enforcement arm of the GRA have complained bitterly about not having access to modern weapons and protective gear when they have to perform their duties. In several cases, enforcement officers have come under fire from smugglers.

At a press conference on Friday, Acting Commissioner General of the GRA, Ingrid Griffith, admitted that the problem is known and steps are now being taken to correct the situation.

She announced that the GRA has requested new weapons for the enforcement division that seeks to bring the division in line with the weaponry of lawbreakers.

“We have requested additional firearms that are up to date, so that they will have the same power than the smugglers have with their firearms because their firearms are updated and so we have to match their firepower. We have asked for those firearms and the government is trying to give us that”.

The Acting Commissioner General said the GRA wants to ensure that its staff members are comfortable and safe in the execution of their duties.

Many enforcement officers have also complained about the low risk allowance that is attached to their job.  The new GRA board has not started to look at the salary issue as yet but intends to do as it seeks to bring about changes at the revenue collection agency.

 

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