Finance Minister pays tribute to former Commissioner General as ‘man of unshakeable integrity’

Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has expressed condolences on the passing of former Commissioner of Inland Revenue and first Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Edgar Egerton Heyligar CCH.

He lauded Mr Heyligar as “a man of unshakeable integrity, vast knowledge, especially on the subject of tax administration, and a diligent and capable administrator.”

See full statement below:

I am terribly saddened to learn of the passing, earlier this evening, of Edgar Egerton Heyligar CCH, former Commissioner of Inland Revenue and first Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

His was a truly long and extremely distinguished career, with the greater part of his professional years spent in what was then the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), rising through the ranks on merit, until attaining appointment at the department’s pinnacle as Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

When the decision was taken in the late 1990s to establish the GRA, merging the IRD with what was then the Customs and Excise Department, it required little thought that Edgar should be the new GRA’s first Commissioner-General, in which post he remained until he retired from public office. Over the years, he also served in numerous other public capacities, including on many boards of directors and other important commissions and committees.

Edgar was a man of unshakeable integrity, vast knowledge especially on the subject of tax administration, and a diligent and capable administrator. He was also an affable individual, with a quick and broad smile, and a big and kind heart. Edgar was also a fervent nationalist devoted to the service of his country, and a gentle and generous man committed to serving his community and the various civic and fraternal causes which he embraced.

I had the honour of a close professional association with him for many years, including as a younger civil servant, and then subsequently as a member and as chairman of the governing board of the GRA, some years ago. Throughout it all, and for all the years since then, Edgar remained a person I admired and a professional from whom I learnt much. I always considered him a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and a big brother.

History will record Edgar Egerton Heyligar CCH as one of the main architects of tax administration in contemporary Guyana. Our country will long be indebted to him for his dedicated and distinguished service, and we are terribly poorer tonight for his passing.

It is with great sadness that I extend sincerest condolences to his entire family and all his friends and associates.

May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.