The
deputy Governor for the North Bank Region, Mustapha Saidy, has urged business
communities within his region to be compliant in the payment of tax.
He
said that the early payment of tax ensures government implements the development
aspirations of the citizenry.
The
NBR deputy governor made these remarks recently in Farafenni in a tax seminar
forum organized by The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for business communities
within the region.
The
government, he added, could only achieve its development need for the people
through the taxes been paid.
“Government can only build road networks,
hospitals, an electricity infrastructure and pay civil servant salaries through
the payment of tax. We will not compromise in the payment of tax, because it is
through the payment of tax that government generates income and ploughs it back
to the people,” he added.
For
his part, Lamin Jassey, the manager of Corporate and Public Affairs at GRA
dwelled on the significant of the forum.
He
called for the participation of the participants with a view to enable them to
understand the different taxes administers by the GRA.
The
seminar, he noted, was part of the GRA’s attempt to educate and sensitise the
general public on the taxes it administers.
“Today’s event is special given the fact that
the forum brings together members of the business community who will help
facilitate tax compliance. The forum also avails us the opportunities to
sensitise the business community, and tax payers, about revenue laws,” he
stated.
Mr
Jarsey further noted the effort was geared towards modernising the tax system
and improving the reforms recently undertaken by the government aimed at
promoting micro-economic stability, improving revenue mobilization and promote
efficiency in resource allocation.
The
seminar was part of series of programmes undertaken with key stakeholders in
the country with a view to enhancing understanding and improving compliance.
The
deputy director for Compliance, Taxpayer Education and Training George W.
Thomas, also joined various speakers by dwelling on the importance of the
seminar.
The
GRA, he added, was tasked with the responsibility of collecting tax on behalf
of government. “Working hand-in-glove with you will be able to raise revenue for
the government in order to create development and implement the development
plans that are put in place. It is also crucial that the “timely payment of the
taxes takes place because there are penalties attached on defaulters,” he said.
