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…urges clampdown by Govt. Licensed fuel dealers in Region One have apparently had enough of illegal fuel sellers. They are calling on the relevant authorities to finally clamp down on the overbearing situation.Licensed fuel sellers of Region 1 have complained that the GEA has not done enough to clamp down on illegal trade (News Source Guyana photo)One of the affected businesspersons explained to Kaieteur News that the issue of illegal fuel sales was one which had been plaguing the Region for years. The man said that as one of the Region’s few licensed fuel sellers, the issue was particularly difficult for him.He explained that there are just over a dozen persons licensed to sell fuel within Region One. Personally, the man said that he had been licensed for more than 10 years. However, he said,Cheap Jacksonville Jaguars Jerseys, while there were a small number of licensed persons,Nike Bengals #18 A.J. Green Gray Mens Stitched NFL Limited Gridiron Gray Jersey, the number of illegal sellers was countless. He said that the playing field is uneven because the unlicensed persons sell their fuel at a lower rate.“So,Cheap New York Mets Jerseys, we paid for licenses for all of these years yet these people are being able to sell without licences. “It’s unfair that those who have licences have to suffer,” the frustrated businessman said.He said that the situation is worsened by the Government of Guyana’s initiative of “border trade”. According to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA),Cheap Authentic Jerseys, materials being brought into Guyana along border areas to the west are permitted as long as the materials being brought in are being utilized within the border area. Region One is one of the areas covered by the border trade setup.According to the businessman, border trade allows anyone to purchase fuel, whether they own licences or not.He explained that the licence only costs $25,000 a year yet numerous persons choose not to purchase one.The man said that the situation could easily push honest persons to do wrong.“Must we quit our licences and go with the people who don’t have? Because it’s working out for them…what goes for one must go for all” he stressed. However,Nike Cowboys #88 Michael Irvin White 2016 Pro Bowl Mens Stitched NFL Elite Jersey, he said,Cheap Stitched Jerseys, he maintains his licence, largely due to the pressure placed by the GEA for fuel sellers to renew their licences.Additionally, the businessman said that numerous complaints were made to the GEA over the years. However, these complaints have apparently fallen on deaf ears. He emphasised that the GEA lacked adequate monitoring to handle the situation.“This has been going on and on for years yet nothing has happened. They just keep saying they’re going to look into it and nothing happens,” he said.The man emphasised that an intervention is necessary and called on the new Government to finally step in.“Enough is enough! We’ve been crying for years and years and now the tears have run out. Something must be done.”In the past,Cheap Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys, the GEA had acknowledged the difficulties in clamping down on illegal sales of fuel. Officers of the GEA reportedly visit areas at least twice a year to learn about what is happening in the respective areas.The GEA had also indicated that illegal fuel sales cause loss of revenue from related tax losses and also have a negative effect on legitimate businesses.GEA said that illegal fuel can also affect consumers due to it having a lower quality than legal fuel. |
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