Ramps Logistics Guyana said this evening that the 10 charges instituted against it by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for false declarations have no basis in law.
The company said it also finds it interesting that the tax body would file such charges just five days after it has taken the Local Content Secretariat to court for its failure to issue a Local Content Certificate, such charges would follow.
Nevertheless, the company said it will be responding to the charges shortly through its lawyers.
See below for its full statement.
On Wednesday October 5th, 2022, Ramps Logistics Guyana (RLG) was made aware of charges filed in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) against RLG. Five days prior on Friday September 30th, 2022, RLG filed an application for Judicial Review against the Local Content Secretariat.
While these charges will be reviewed and responded to by our lawyers through the court system, it is important to note the following:
Every declaration filed by the GRA is in respect to Duty Free importations. There are no taxes or duties applicable on the imports and so there is no loss of Revenue to the GRA.
July 12th, 2022 – The GRA wrote to RLG informing us of an investigation into alleged false declarations.
July 25th, 2022 – RLG’s Lawyers wrote the GRA responding on why the allegations raised by the GRA had no basis in law and clearly outlined the sections of the Guyana Customs Act that they relied on to form this opinion.
September 29th, 2022 – 8 weeks later the GRA responds to RLG. Their response does not address any of the legal points raised by RLG’s Lawyers.
September 30th, 2022 – RLG files for Judicial Review against the Local Content Secretariat.
October 5th, 2022 – GRA issues a Press Release to say they are filing charges against RLG for False Declarations.
We have always respected the laws of every country we operate in and have always been transparent in everything we do. We will continue to operate with the highest levels of integrity. We continue to be committed to Guyana and hope for a fair and speedy resolution of this situation.
