Yesterday evening GOB sent out a release to insist that there's no beef between Ministers Cordel Hyde and Chris Coye over SARA, the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA).
Tonight, there's another release, this one over 800 words in defense of the Belize Tax Services Department - which is soon to be SARA. PSU President Dean Flowers has been making the media rounds criticizing the efficiency of BTS.
Well, the release says, quote, "Contrary to allegations that the BTSD is poorly managed, records show that the Department has consistently met and exceeded the tax collection targets set by the Ministry of Finance…..Since its formation, the Department has invested in over 250 different training programs at all levels…."
They note that there has been an increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio from 12.8% in 2019 to 15.6% in 2024, without any increase in the rates of business tax or general sales tax - among other accomplishments.
The release says, quote, "The transition to SARA builds on this foundation and will further advance Belize's modernization efforts through initiatives such as the implementation of electronic invoicing, enhanced taxpayer services, and expanded use of data analytics. Importantly, SARA will operate as a performance-based organization, designed to ensure greater accountability, efficiency, and service delivery while strengthening compliance and revenue collection."
The Government categorically rejects any claims that the transition to SARA will result in job losses. Every current employee of the BTSD will be guaranteed continued employment."end quote.
