The Budgetary measures announced yesterday by President Ali include according to the Office of the President:

1. Reversal of VAT on electricity and water

2. Removal of VAT and duties on machinery and equipment to allow for recapitalization. Granting of tax concessions on ATVs for mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing

3. Reversal of land lease fee increases back to the rate it was in at the end of 2014

4. Removal of VAT on fertilizers, agro-chemicals, pesticides, and key inputs in the poultry industry

5. Reversal of VAT on exports

6. Removal of VAT on hinterland travel

7. Removal of VAT on all medical supplies

8. Reversal of VAT on building and construction materials

9. Zero rated VAT on cellphones

10. Removal of corporate tax on private education

11. Removal of corporate tax on private healthcare

The University of Guyana (UG) has announced its acquisition of 14 new phone lines which will take calls from 10: 00 hrs to 22:00 hrs (Sunday to Sunday) and receive WhatsApp messages and chat messages 24 hours a day.

The University in a press release said that in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines to safeguard the health and safety of staff and new and continuing students, it will remain working in safe mode online until the situation improves.

This release said this means that all applications and admissions transactions have been moved online and so applicants no longer need to travel to the campuses but can now transact all their business online.

According to the release, new and continuing students who need guidance, or have queries and questions about the registration process for the new academic year may call or WhatsApp.

The Turkeyen Campus registration support numbers are 623-1941, 623-1867, 623-1869, 623-1871, 623-1924, 623-1940, 623-1942, 624-1943, 623-1944, 623-1945, 623-1946, 623-1948.

Meanwhile, the Berbice Campus registration support numbers are 623-1943, 623-1949.

Students are asked to include their name, USI number and a note on what assistance is needed.

Additionally, the University said it has posted a list of frequently asked questions which can be found on its website at www.uog.edu.gy

Persons are encouraged to check this list before calling.

UG has advised that its registration period for the 2020/2021 academic year commenced online on August 31, and will last until September 30, for both new and continuing students.