International Development Grant

Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre - Phase IV

Project Number: CA-3-A034618001

Status: Closed

Country/Region:

Bahamas 6.67%
Anguilla 6.67%
Barbados 6.67%
Antigua and Barbuda 6.67%
Jamaica 6.67%
Saint Kitts and Nevis 6.66%
Suriname 6.66%
Guyana 6.67%
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines 6.66%
Saint Lucia 6.66%
Trinidad And Tobago 6.66%
Grenada 6.67%
Montse

Maximum Contribution: $20,000,000.00

Start Date: February 14, 2011

End Date: December 30, 2016

Duration: 5.9 years

Project Description

The project aims to enhance the management of public finances in the Caribbean region through increased effectiveness of domestic revenue systems more effective and transparent budget preparation and execution and improved macro fiscal policy formulation. The project is designed to achieve these objectives through the provision of technical assistance and training by the International Monetary Fund in core areas of economic and financial management in response to Caribbean governments' requests. The Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) focuses on building technical capacity in the recipient countries increasingly through the strengthening of professional associations to jointly develop and deliver training programs and seminars. CARTAC is supported by multiple donors. Regional cooperation is expected to result in broader country coverage across the region. In this regard the preference is to emphasize activities that have application across the region. One example of this is the assistance provided by CARTAC to six countries to modernize their customs systems and procedures using risk management techniques resulting in trade facilitation

Expected Results

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved management of the public finances in CARTAC member countries through increased effectiveness of domestic revenue systems more effective and transparent budget preparation and execution; (2) increased resolution and minimization of risk factors identified in the financial system; (3) increased regulation and supervision of capital markets; and (4) increased use of macroeconomic statistics and macroeconomic programming analysis by policymakers.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of the end of the project (December 2016) include : (1) targeted training and technical assistance provided to policy makers and government officials in 20 Caribbean countries in core areas of public financial management tax and customs policy and administration regulation and supervision of financial sector (such as banks and capital markets as well as non-bank financial institutions such as insurance companies and credit unions) economic and financial statistics and macroeconomic programming; (2) public financial management legal frameworks that were adopted across the region were implemented in Antigua and Barbuda St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica - In these countries final draft legislation is currently under legislative consideration and regional budget preparation reforms are being sustained with several countries continuing implementation and improving their processes; (3) large and medium taxpayer units established in Dominica St. Kitts and St. Lucia to improve overall compliance through improved service delivery which included access to tax legislation rulings and interpretations comprehensive e-tax service programs multiple channel service delivery tax administration service standards and taxpayers’ rights and obligations; (4) improved customs administration units operationalized in Belize Dominica Jamaica and St. Lucia implementing post clearance audit and risk management programs; (5) stress tests delivered to domestic and foreign-owned banks in seven countries; (6) all 20 CARTAC member countries disseminating annual gross domestic product estimates at both current and constant prices. These results have contributed to building the capacity of 20 Caribbean countries in macroeconomic and financial management supporting country-led reforms as well as regional harmonization including common laws and codes and building awareness of the need for reform and improved administrative procedures and stat

Key Information

Executing Agency:
IMF – International Monetary Fund

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
NGM Americas

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Public finance management 30%
Domestic Revenue Mobilisation 40%
Statistical capacity building 10%
Financial policy and administrative management 20%

Aid Type: Contributions to specific-purpose programmes and funds managed by implementing partners

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Pre-APP

Policy Markers
Level 1 Participatory development and good governance
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2010-04-01 to 2011-03-31 $20,000,000 CAD
Geographic Information
000
Project Number: CA-3-A034618001