PR — Business owners in Carriacou received practical guidance on meeting their tax obligations during a compliance workshop hosted by the Grenada Development Bank (GDB) in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Division (IRD).
The workshop, which took place on Tuesday March 3 at the Mermaid Conference Room in Hillsborough attracted more than 40 members of the business community, providing participants with step-by-step guidance on the fundamentals of taxation, how to calculate taxes for the year and properly prepare for filing. The session was designed to strengthen tax awareness while equipping entrepreneurs with the practical tools needed to remain compliant and manage their businesses more effectively.
A key highlight of the workshop facilitated by Khalene Emmons, Tax Inspector at the Inland Revenue Department was a demonstration of the Government’s new online tax portal, GTAX, which allows taxpayers to file and pay their taxes electronically. Ms. Emmons guided participants through the platform, offering a live walkthrough of how to register and file returns.
General Manager of the Grenada Development Bank, Royston Cumberbatch, also delivered a presentation on the importance of basic record keeping for businesses. He explained that maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records—such as sales receipts, invoices and expense logs—help business owners properly track income and expenses, calculate taxes accurately and avoid penalties associated with incorrect or late filings.
Mr. Cumberbatch noted that empowering businesses with financial knowledge is a key part of the Bank’s mandate. “Many small businesses struggle with taxation simply because they are unsure of the process or lack proper records. Workshops like this are designed to demystify taxation and give business owners the confidence and tools they need to remain compliant while strengthening the management of their enterprises,” he said.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to learn directly from the experts and praised the interactive nature of the session. One participant shared that the workshop helped clarify many areas that previously seemed complicated.
“The workshop was extremely helpful. I now have a much clearer understanding of how to calculate my taxes and how to use the GTAX portal.” the participant noted.
Another attendee described the session as timely and beneficial for the local business community.
“This workshop broke everything down step by step. I’m leaving with knowledge that will definitely help me keep my business in order,” the business owner said.
The tax compliance workshop formed part of the Grenada Development Bank’s outreach mission to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which aims to strengthen engagement with businesses and communities in the sister isles. The outreach also included a full day of activities and consultations with entrepreneurs in Petite Martinique, providing information on financing opportunities, business support services and financial management.
