In keeping with the announcement made by the Minister for Finance, Hon. Anthony Boatswain, in the 2007 Budget Speech, a Recoveries and Collection Unit is now in place at the Ministry of Finance. This Unit became operational on Monday January 22nd 2007 with the employment of five (5) new Tax Collections Officers. As explained by the Minister for Finance, this Unit is charged with the responsibility of collecting all arrears of Government taxes, in addition to registering new and potential tax payers. This undertaking is expected to raise an additional EC$18.0m annually. The Ministry of Finance will be working closely with all persons who are in arrears with the Treasury, to decide on a payment schedule that is acceptable to Government and to the tax payer. The Ministry is therefore appealing to all those concerned to cooperate fully with the Officers. Ministry of Finance (473) 435-0057