Tax Administration of the Caribbean meet in Belize

There is more talk about taxes tonight coming close on the heels last week’s budget presentation, and that is because the 20th General Assembly of the Caribbean Organization of Tax Administrators (COTA) convenes in Belize this week for a four day conference. Belize and sixteen other Caribbean countries are sharing ideas on how to develop systems to improve and modernize tax administration locally and regionally. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary, gave the main address.

Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary
“The idea is to provide technical assistance and advice to member states of the CARICOM who are members of the organisation and also to help with the harmonisation of tax policies which would lead toward establishment and implementation of the single market. The idea is to try to bring, integrate the Caribbean economies closer together and one main element is to try to for a uniformed or unified tax administrative system.”

Jose Sanchez
“Is there any impact on just the regular taxpayer?”

Joseph Waight
“Persons like yourself and myself who have to pay tax.”

The conference ends on Thursday.