By Maimua Sey- Jawo
Deputy Governor for the North Bank Region, Mustapha Saidy has challenged business communities within his region to be compliant in the payment of taxes, insisting that early payment ensures government implement development initiatives for the citizenry.
Mr Saidy made the appeal in Farafenni at a tax seminar.
“Government can only build road network, hospital, electricity supply and even the payment of salaries through the payment of tax.
“We will not compromise in the payment of tax, because it is through the payment of tax government generates income and ploughs it back to the people,” Saidy said at a forum organised by the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for business communities within the region.
For his part, Lamin Jassey, manager of corporate and public affairs, on behalf of the GRA Commissioner General, dwelled on the significance of the forum, challenging participants to have a sense of understanding of the GRA’s different tax administration systems.
Mr Jassey said the seminar is important because it is part of GRA’s attempt to educate and sensitise the public on the taxes it administers.
“Today’s event is special,” he stated, “given the fact that the forum brings together members of the business communities who will help facilitate tax compliance.”
According to him, the forum gives them the platform to sensitise business communities and tax-payers about revenue laws.
He noted that the NBR convergence is designed towards modernising the tax system and improving reforms recently undertaken by government, which aimed at promoting micro-economic stability, improve revenue mobilisation, and promote efficiency in resource allocation.
The seminar is part of series of programmes being organised with key stakeholders in the country with a view to deepening understanding and improving compliance.
“It is our hope that you will continue to support the implementation of government tax reform for nation building,” Jassey told participants.
“We value and appreciate your partnership and urge you to always engage us on matters of taxation to enhance greater understanding.”
