Ramps Logistics fined $20M by GRA for violating custom laws

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) fined Ramps Logistics company $20 million recently, for violating its customs laws after attempts to get around the measures put in place were made. An insider made this known late on Thursday to media.

It was also revealed that GRA is still waiting for the Trinidadian company which is offering full-service supply chain management in Guyana, that also owns significant stakes in the oil and gas industry's logistic sector, to explain why its brokerage license shouldn't be canceled.

The corporation was contacted several months ago but hasn't replied to the GRA. It is also claimed that the company had broken the law and plotted to gain access to a list of services reserved for Guyanese. However, in response to the claims Ramps Logistics disclosed that the Local Content Secretariat reject its application for a local content certificate.

Shaun Rampersad, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, said on Wednesday that they sold 51% of the company to a Trinidad-born businessman whose ancestors are of Guyanese origin, to meet the requirements listed on the register after the Local Content Act was passed in December 2021.

The businessman to who the company claimed they sold 51% to has since been identified as Deepak Lall.

At least 75% of executive and senior management roles must be held by Guyanese nationals, and at least 90% of non-managerial and other posts must be filled by Guyanese nationals, according to the law.

Many people have criticized the idea of using a Trinidadian with long-standing Guyanese ancestry to fulfill the legal criteria. It was also stated that it is a blatant attempt to circumvent the law and will have to withstand scrutiny.