Caribbean tax administrators have concluded a week of high-level discussions in Guyana with a renewed focus on harnessing artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital technologies to modernise tax systems, improve compliance and strengthen revenue collection across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The 27th General Assembly and Technical Conference of the Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administrators (COTA) concluded on Friday, July 31, after bringing together more than 50 delegates from across the region for five days of deliberations under the theme, “Future-Ready CARICOM Tax Administration: Smart, Data-Driven and AI-Enabled for Sustainable Revenue.“
The conference was co-hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The opening ceremony featured addresses by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, and COTA President Felicia Elie, Comptroller of Inland Revenue in Saint Lucia. The event also recognised several trailblazers for their contributions to tax administration in the Caribbean.
Throughout the conference, delegates examined how emerging technologies are reshaping tax administration and public finance. Discussions focused on the application of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to improve tax compliance, strengthen taxpayer services and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of revenue mobilisation across CARICOM member states.
Participants also explored strategies for building more resilient and technology-driven tax administrations capable of responding to evolving economic and fiscal challenges facing the region.
A key feature of the conference was a High-Level Regional Meeting on Tax and Development, held in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other regional and international organisations involved in tax policy and administration.
The meeting provided a platform for regional policymakers and tax experts to discuss international tax developments, capacity building and measures to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation as Caribbean countries seek to improve fiscal resilience while supporting sustainable economic growth.
COTA serves as the principal regional body for cooperation among Caribbean tax administrations, promoting collaboration, information sharing and best practices to improve tax administration throughout the region.
The annual General Assembly and Technical Conference provides tax commissioners, comptrollers and senior revenue officials with an opportunity to exchange experiences, examine emerging trends and develop common approaches to addressing shared challenges, including tax compliance, digital transformation, cross-border taxation and revenue administration.
This year’s conference underscored the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in transforming tax systems, with delegates agreeing that smarter, data-driven approaches will be essential to improving efficiency, reducing tax evasion and ensuring governments have the revenues needed to finance public services and long-term development priorities across the Caribbean.
