Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently noted that the government is considering the establishment of a new building for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), potentially commencing next year.
Despite affirming that the prospect of a new building looms on the horizon, he underscored the agency’s relative resilience compared to others amid the evolving landscape. Reflecting on the historical trajectory of GRA’s accommodations, Dr. Jagdeo reminisced about the agency’s past locations, including Lamaha High Street, before settling at the Camp Street Office. At the time of its establishment, the Camp Street building stood as a robust structure.
“Now based on the new standards that’s being developed, eventually they would have to get a new building for GRA, but I don’t think it’s this year. It’s not gonna happen this year.,” Dr. Jagdeo asserted. He emphasized the abundance of existing facilities at GRA’s disposal, indicating a postponement in immediate construction plans.
Elaborating on potential locations for the proposed structure, Dr. Jagdeo pointed towards the corridor extending from Georgetown to Eccles or along the forthcoming highway spanning from Ogle to the East Bank of Demerara. Notably, the government already possesses land in these areas, laying the groundwork for future development initiatives.
“The government has land there. So once they decide on the project, it will go on one of these places,” Dr. Jagdeo affirmed.
It is noteworthy that in 2022, had Jagdeo unveiled plans for the construction of a new GRA Headquarters, earmarked for Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Simultaneously, the government had announced intentions to develop three hotels on state land previously designated for the GRA project in Pattensen, ECD.
However, amidst these announcements, concerns arose regarding the fate of the Pattensen land initially allocated for the GRA Headquarters. It came to light that the state-earmarked land had undergone a transfer to hotel developer Pasha Global of Suriname. This development raised eyebrows within the public sphere, prompting inquiries into the rationale behind the decision and the terms of the transfer.
In response to mounting inquiries, Vice President Jagdeo had addressed the situation, clarifying that the decision to reallocate the Pattensen land from GRA was a deliberative one by the government. He emphasized that it was not a measure aimed at depriving the agency but rather a conscientious choice made in the broader interest of national development.
