Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) disbanded – unit was performing below expectation – operations to be incorporated into LEID

AFTER careful consideration, a decision was taken to disband the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS). The Unit was established in November 2000 with the objective of curbing smuggling activities within the Corentyne/Berbice area. A statement from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said 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. GRA said 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. “It should be noted that prior to the implementation of BASS in 2000, LEID was responsible for the functions performed by BASS. These functions included the patrolling of waterways and roadways to suppress smuggling activities,” GRA stated. “Moreover, persons currently employed in the BASS Unit will be paid their full benefits owed to them once the Unit is disbanded,” GRA added.