GRA to disband Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad

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BASS[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken a decision to disband the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Smuggling Squad (BASS) citing some amount of non-performance on the part of the unit.

According to a GRA press statement, after careful consideration, a decision was taken to disband BASS which was established in November 2000 with the objective of curbing smuggling activities within the Corentyne/ Berbice area.

“An examination of the effectiveness of BASS revealed that the unit was performing below expectation, with a rapid decrease in revenue collection over the period 2012-2015, and as such, it was deemed not feasible to continue operations. Based on the foregoing, and the closeness in nature of BASS’ operations with that of the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Law Enforcement & Investigations Division (LEID), a decision was made to fully integrate BASS’ operations into the Regional Operations of LEID,” the release stated.

It was noted too that prior to the implementation of BASS in 2000, LEID was responsible for the function performed by BASS. These functions included the patrolling of waterways and roadways to suppress smuggling activities.

GRA contended that individuals employed in the BASS Unit will be paid their full benefits owed to them once the Unit is disbanded.  

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