(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Caribbean Organization of Tax Administrations (COTA) recently launched its Third Essay Competition for secondary school students in recognition of its 40th anniversary.

The topic is The Tax Administration plays a critical role in my country's development. How can Information and Communication Technology enhance my country's tax administration's capabilities so as to generate greater resources for national development?

This year’s competition targets students between the ages of 13 and 15. It is aimed at encouraging familiarity with the work of their country’s tax administration and at the same time allowing tax administrators to benefit from the views of potential taxpayers.

Prizes will be awarded to the students who have submitted the best three essays in the regional competition, as well as to the schools which the winners attend. This year, the prizes will be provided by the Income Tax Department of Belize and the Caribbean Association of Banks.

The closing date for the submission of entries to the national Tax Administration Agencies is 15 May, 2012 and the winners will be announced at the COTA’s Twenty-Second General Assembly and Technical Conference scheduled to be held in Trinidad and Tobago from 16-20 July, 2012.

The aim of COTA is to foster collaboration and experience-sharing among tax administrations in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Tax administration agencies in all CARICOM Member States and Associate Members are members of COTA.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org
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