CARRIACOU:- As the Government of Grenada embarks on an economic and fiscal reform programme aimed at restoring growth, achieving fiscal balance, poverty alleviation and other critical issues of social development, the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday launched the VAT in Carriacou . In addressing a cross section of residents, including business owners, at SeaWave Upper Level Conference Room, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Sen. George Prime said his ministry has a critical role to play in the coordination process. He said the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs must ensure that VAT works for the interest of the people. Minister for Finance Hon. Nazim Burke , in his remarks, noted that it is the government's intention to use VAT as “a catalysis” in restructuring the entire tax system to make it more responsive to economic development, simple to administer and create a new culture of voluntary tax compliance. VAT Consultant Curlan Gilchrist highlighted the way the system will be administered. The team also traveled to Petite Martinique to introduce the new tax system to residents. VAT is now the tax system of choice in several CARICOM countries, including Dominica, Belize , Guyana , St.Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua -Barbuda. From Deanna Isaac Carriacou