Already fighting off criticism over his decision to appoint Contractor Brian Tiwarie as a Ministerial Advisor, Minister of State, Joe Harmon has now found himself facing questions over his alleged interference in the work of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

According to reports which first surfaced in the Kaieteur News, Harmon recently issued a “stand down” order when GRA officers were making moves to seize vehicles belonging to the BaiShanLin company over owed taxes.

Hamon has not denied the allegations.  The vehicles have since been seized by the GRA and President Granger wasted little time in revoking Tiwarie’s appointment after he learnt of it.

But Minister Harmon, who also serves as the Secretary to the Cabinet, continues to play the silent game on the GRA interference accusations.

Questioned by News Source on Wednesday afternoon at the Ministry of the Presidency, Harmon offered no comment other than to promise that he would be issuing a statement on the issue.

Asked directly whether he was involved in any form of interference in the work of the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Minister again promised to issue a written statement.

A number of senior government officials who spoke to News Source said that the Brian Tiwarie case was “a real embarrassment” to the coalition government. Cabinet members were unaware of the appointment and the President himself was unaware of the appointment, although usual Ministerial appointments do not necessarily require the approval of the Head of State.

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