Press Releases

Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 24 September, 2026 — The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is taking steps to prepare its staff for the implementation of its new Tax Information Management System (TIMS) through targeted customer service training aimed at strengthening service delivery to taxpayers.

The training, delivered by the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) and facilitated by Business Consultant Gaidell Andrews, was designed to equip IRD officers with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to provide high-quality customer service as the department transitions to the new tax system.

The implementation of the new system is expected to bring changes to existing processes and procedures, as well as the way taxpayers interact with the Inland Revenue Department. The customer service training is therefore an important part of the department’s preparations, helping staff to communicate effectively, respond professionally and maintain high standards of service throughout the transition.

Speaking on the initiative, IRD Senior Assistant Comptroller Helena Lucas, noted that excellent customer service remains central to their mission.

“This Customer Service Workshop is an important part of the Inland Revenue Department’s preparation for the implementation of our new Tax Information Management System. It also supports our ongoing commitment to improving customer service here at the Inland Revenue Department.

“While technology is important, we at the Inland Revenue Department also know that people remain at the centre of our operations. The effectiveness of our new system will depend not only on the technology, but also on how we communicate and interact with our taxpayers and with each other,” she stated. “Every interaction with the taxpayer is important — whether it is at the customer service desk, at the cash counter, through a telephone call or by email. It is through these interactions that we build confidence and trust.”

Deputy Comptroller (Acting) Sherry Mason also underscored the lasting value of the training and encouraged staff to apply what they had learned in their daily interactions with taxpayers.

“The knowledge and skills imparted to us are not just for these two days, but for the rest of our lives. All of us should be taking something away from this session, and I want us to make a commitment to put what we have learned into practice.

“We are a customer-oriented department because we interact with taxpayers on a daily basis. When we interact with taxpayers, we are representing the department. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and strengthen the relationship between taxpayers and the department. So, let us give the highest level of customer service, as stated in our mission.”

The two-day training covered a range of practical areas, including effective communication, handling difficult interactions, responding to taxpayer concerns with empathy, and maintaining service standards during periods of organisational and technological change.

Keisha Phillips, Officer in Charge of the Centre for Enterprise Development, emphasised the importance of customer service within the public sector.

“We truly appreciate the confidence the Inland Revenue Department has placed in us to deliver this training. Quality customer service is about more than simply responding to enquiries or resolving issues. It is about creating a positive experience, building trust, communicating clearly, listening with understanding, and treating every taxpayer with professionalism, courtesy and respect.”

The training forms part of the Inland Revenue Department’s broader preparations for the implementation of the new Tax Information Management System, which is expected to improve efficiency, enhance compliance and simplify the taxpayer experience.

Through continued investment in staff development, the Inland Revenue Department is strengthening its capacity to support taxpayers and deliver efficient, professional and customer-focused services as the department moves towards the new system.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 15 September 2026 – The Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) is taking steps to strengthen its members’ knowledge and capabilities to better operate and manage their enterprises.

Forty (40) KCCU members and other attendees participated in a one-day workshop, “An Introduction to Recordkeeping: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right," on Tuesday, 15 September. The workshop was held at the Methodist Wesley Hall in Kingstown and delivered by the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED).

The training was facilitated by CED Business Development Officer Nisha Glasgow.

Chairman of the KCCU Education and Marketing Committee, Joslyn Craigg, said the initiative forms part of the credit union’s commitment to equipping Vincentians with practical knowledge and skills that can contribute to the growth and sustainability of their businesses.

“At KCCU, we recognise that our members’ success is closely connected to the strength and sustainability of the businesses they operate. Proper recordkeeping is an important part of that process, as it helps entrepreneurs understand the financial position of their businesses and make informed decisions. We are pleased to partner with CED to provide our members with practical tools that they can apply directly to their businesses,” Craigg said.

The workshop objectives were to help participants understand what recordkeeping entails; determine the information needed to obtain debt financing; identify sources of financing for a small business; compare the advantages and disadvantages of different sources of financing; create a simple recordkeeping system; and identify and understand a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

According to CED’s Officer in Charge and Training and Education Coordinator, Keisha Phillips, the organisation’s goal was to help participants see recordkeeping as a useful tool that does not have to be complicated.

“The goal is to look at some simple, practical ways of keeping the information you need, understanding what those records are telling you, and using them to make better decisions for your business. By the end of today, I hope you will see recordkeeping not as a chore, but as a useful tool—one that can help you understand your business better, manage your money more effectively, and plan for the future,” Phillips said.

Phillips noted that entrepreneurs often do not prioritise keeping proper records while managing their businesses.

“But the truth is, good recordkeeping can make running a business much easier. Your records tell the story of your business. They help you see how much you are selling, what you are spending, whether you are making a profit, and where you may need to make changes,” she noted.

“Good records are also important when you need to make bigger decisions. For example, if you want to expand your business, purchase equipment, or apply to your credit union for financing, having clear and up-to-date records can make a big difference. They give you — and others — a clearer picture of how your business is doing.”

Phillips also commended KCCU for investing in the development of its members, noting the importance of providing entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and tools to support the growth and sustainability of their businesses.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, August 27, 2026 – The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) has entered a new phase of development with the implementation of a five-year Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening its operations, improving support for businesses, and playing a greater role in advancing private sector development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The new strategic framework is the outcome of a year-long strategic planning project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and provides CED with a clear roadmap to guide its work over the next five years.

The plan is expected to enhance the organisation’s capacity to deliver more effective and responsive services to entrepreneurs and businesses while ensuring that its programmes and initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs of the local private sector.

CED formally highlighted the new strategic direction during a Closing Ceremony for the Strategic Plan Project held at Sunset Shores Hotel Conference Room in Villa on Thursday. The event marked the conclusion of the planning initiative and the beginning of a new chapter focused on implementing the priorities outlined in the five-year plan.

Miss Keisha Phillips, Officer in Charge of CED, presented an overview of the Strategic Plan, describing it as a "pivotal moment for enterprises in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”. She noted that it positions CED as "the connective tissue between new capital, new regional partnerships, and the thousands of Vincentian entrepreneurs who need both money and the know-how to use it well”.

The plan, she outlined, is built on four strategic pillars: Pillar 1 - Entrepreneurship Development and Business Support Services; Pillar 2 - Access to Finance and Investment Readiness; Pillar 3 - Ecosystem Strengthening, Partnerships and Policy Advocacy; and Institutional Strengthening for Sustainability. The five-year investment plan carries a total programmatic budget of US$4.64 million over the period 2026 to 2030, with Pillar One, Entrepreneurship Development, carrying the largest share at US$3.3 million.

Phillips highlighted the plan's alignment with the government’s announcement of the soon-to-be-established National Development Bank, noting that CED sees itself as the bank's "natural referral partner and readiness pipeline, not a competitor”. She also shared the organisation's new vision: "To be one of the leading drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience in the Eastern Caribbean."

“Our vision is to be one of the leading drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic resilience in the Eastern Caribbean. 2026 gives us a genuine tailwind to make that real — a new National Development Bank opening up capital, renewed regional technical assistance through CDB, strong tourism momentum, and a government firmly committed to private-sector-led growth. This Strategic Plan is CED's commitment to make sure that momentum reaches every entrepreneur it should,” Phillips concluded.

GOVERNMENT ENDORSES STRATEGIC PLAN DIRECTION

The new Strategic Plan was strongly endorsed by Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Senator Chieftain Neptune, as he delivered the Feature Address. He commended CED for its continued commitment to private sector development, describing its evolution from a business support agency into a powerhouse of MSMEs, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Senator noted that CED's Strategic Plan aligns with the broader goals of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Private Sector Development, under which CED is a unit.

“A diversified, data-driven, opportunity-rich, Vincentian economy where MSMEs are the core of our growth and resilience. At the national level, we are actively shaping a brighter future with initiatives like the upcoming National Development Plan 2027-2042 complete with a clear step for implementation, budgeting and governance; strengthening public investment management through modern project appraisal systems and real-time project database; overhauling our national statistical system because in today’s world, you can’t manage what you don’t measure,” he stated  “In the context of CED’s plan, it is not to isolate efforts, it is a vital part of our national symphony.”

He also issued three challenges to the Business Support Organisation (BSO): "own this plan, measure relentlessly, push goals higher, train more entrepreneurs, and improve survival rates”, and called on the private sector to see CED as a partner, not just a government office. “Mentor, collaborate, co-invest and let’s prove that working together creates a competitive edge.

Senator Neptune urged development partners, especially CDB, to remain committed. 

“The next phase is about executing at scale, making sure that every dollar and every hour of support translate into real change.”

Reflecting on CED's motto of "Developing the local economy one business at a time," he expressed confidence that when that promise is honoured, "in five years, we'll see a flourishing landscape of new businesses, new jobs, stronger communities and an economy more resilient, inclusive and confident."

CDB REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MSME DEVELOPMENT

The Caribbean Development Bank, as the primary funder of the project, reaffirmed its commitment to CED's success. Miss Allyson Francis, Operations Officer for MSMEs in the Private Sector Division at the CDB, expressed confidence that the new Strategic Plan would position CED to better serve the MSME sector.

“The support is intended to strengthen CED’s capacity to assess its operating environment, engage stakeholders, define strategic priorities, develop an implementation framework, and put in place important monitoring and evaluation learning systems that can track results over time. Institutional strengthening is at the heart of the effort. A strong MSME sector requires a strong business support institution,” Francis emphasised. “For CED, this means having clearer systems, stronger governance, better use of data, improved client relationships, management, enhanced staff capacity, strong partnerships, and a more sustainable resource base. It also means being able to design services that respond to the real needs of entrepreneurs, rather than relying only on one-off training or isolated projects. Importantly, the support also included practical training for CED staff, strengthening their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality business development services.”

Francis described the project as being of "significant importance" and noted that the intervention comes "at a very critical time" for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She emphasized that the support for CED's strategic plan is aimed at helping the organisation "move beyond short-term, ad-hoc interventions towards a more structured, programmatic, and resource-focused approach to enterprise development”.

Stressing that "a strong MSME sector requires a strong business support institution”, she noted that the assistance included practical training for CED staff and the development of tools to support day-to-day operations.

“We are helping St. Vincent and Grenadines to build a more diversifying, inclusive, and resilient economy, driven in part by a stronger and more competitive MSME sector. However, the success of the strategy will depend on its implementation. The plan must be treated as a living management tool. It will require prioritization, adequate resourcing, committed leadership, active, broad oversight, strong partnerships with all persons here, regular measurement of results. It also requires CED and its partners to remain responsive to changing conditions, including climate events, shifts in market, financing constraints, and evolving needs of our entrepreneurs. The relationships developed in the consultative process must be maintained.”

She concluded by reaffirming the CDB's commitment.

“Caribbean Development Bank is really pleased to have developed this strategy and we look forward to its implementation and success."

CED CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR MORE PARTNERSHIPS

The CED Board of Directors also pledged its full support for the plan's execution, and Chairman Mr. Luke Boyea, reaffirmed their commitment to guiding the organisation's implementation of the new plan. He assured MSMEs that CED's role is to help remove bureaucratic roadblocks, not create them.

“We must continue to advocate for the advancement of MSMEs, including both at the policy and the legislative levels. We must also communicate the crucial role that MSMEs play in society. The days of entrepreneurship as being the fallback option to being a doctor, lawyer or the like should be vanquished to history,” he said. “We have to make owning businesses and conducting business as significant as having the same stature. If we don’t do that, we’re always going to have maybe not the best people involved in the business.

Boyea emphasized that the strategic plan does not exist in a vacuum.

“It requires the active participation and partnership of the MSME community with CED and other government entities. This isn’t just a CED thing. The government must play their role. The other enabling mechanisms must be there, including the National Development Bank, as we just heard. This only works if entrepreneurs step up and use the opportunities and the skillsets provided. It is of critical importance that our communities are knowledgeable of the services provided to MSMEs and that we deliver best in class. Success will breed success.”

Boyea concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to embrace the continuous improvement cycle of action, measure, refine, and repeat, reminding the audience, "If CED is successful, SVG will be successful."

The ceremony concluded with a video presentation capturing stakeholder perspectives on how the Strategic Plan will help improve the organisation over the coming years.

The CED five-year Strategic Plan Project was funded in the sum of US$62,480, with the Caribbean Development Bank contributing US$44,200 and CED contributing US18,280.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 25 August, 2026 – A special ceremony will be held on Thursday to mark the culmination of a year-long Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) project that will revolutionize a local Business Support Organisation (BSO).

The Project Closing Ceremony for the Strategic Plan Project for lead BSO, the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED), takes place on Thursday, 27 August at the Sunset Shores Hotel in Villa.

The project, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), focused on developing a new five-year strategic plan that will strengthen CED’s capacity to deliver services and improve private sector development.

Produced by regional business consultant, Christopher McNair, the new strategic plan is expected to expand CED’s reach beyond traditional advisory services to emerging growth sectors and is built on four strategic pillars.

The Project Closing Ceremony will feature Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Honourable Chieftain Neptune as keynote speaker, and remarks from Allyson Francis, Operations Officer MSME, Private Sector Division, and CED Chairman Luke Boyea. Keisha Phillips, Officer in Charge of the CED, will reflect on the scope of the project.

The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) is a department of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Private Sector Development, established in 2005 to support and stimulate the expansion of the private sector. The CED supports the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sectors by undertaking business development and institutional strengthening initiatives, advocacy, training and education, with the objective of creating an enabling business ecosystem for MSMEs to prosper and positively impact the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.