Sattaur should pack his bags and go
Dear Editor
The constant revelations of a proposed plot by former President (a private citizen) and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, to “bring down” the Kaieteur News and its Publisher Mr.Glenn Lall, is and should be a matter of grave concern to all political parties, the private sector commission, chambers of commerce across this country, trade unions, NGO”s, the diplomatic community and all Guyanese home and abroad.
The commissioner-general, and tax chief of GRA has, by virtue of his alleged actions, betrayed and violated the confidence of all Guyanese tax payers of their most private and confidential financial information.
By all indications, his action is in breach of the oath of secrecy he swore to keep and respect as an officer of the highest office of the revenue authority. He has failed to honour his obligations to all Guyanese to “truly, faithfully, impartially and honestly execute the powers vested in him.
This intended plot should not in any way be brushed aside or taken for granted. This issue is very serious and diabolical in nature. It borders on the line of denying the citizens of Guyana their constitutional right to access of information. It also points to curtailing and restricting the media/press. This is infringing on the freedom of expression that our constitution provides.
The free press is the essence of what democracy represents and embodies. It is the voice of the voiceless, the weapon and shield against injustice and lawlessness. The free press is the ever vigilant watch dog against capriciousness, falsehood and rapacious corruption. It is the defender against potential rise of dictators and it is the safeguard against tyranny in countries that profess to be democratic.
If the press is not free, if it is controlled or curtailed by whatever means, then the tenants of democracy and freedom are at risk.
The tax boss’s actions very pellucid, indicate that he has used the taxpayers personal, private and confidential information as a weapon to satisfy his and others personal grievances and vendettas. What is equally more frightening is the perceived connection with individuals of high ranking in government willing to assist him in his wicked, malicious and evil endeavour.
This, as they say in proverbial language, has broken the camel’s back indeed.
Mr. Sattaur’s abuse of power is coupled with a high level of arrogance and his recent press release in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News on October 5, 2014 is tantamount to this. His breach of the oath of secrecy is criminal and the police should investigate his illegal action and deal with this issue condignly.
By his actions and his pernicious attempts, he has deceived the President, the parliament, the people of this country, the diaspora and every Guyanese. I am suggesting that there has to be in the clearest language and apology from Mr. Sattaur to all tax paying Guyanese and businesses.
His actions are unprofessional, unethical and Mr. Sattaur should do the professional and ethical thing. PACK HIS BAGS AND GO.
Jermaine Figueira
