Tax Administration Jamaica Celebrates Graduation of Cohort 34 from Tax Audit and Revenue Administration (TARA) Programme

Tax Administration Jamaica Celebrates Graduation of Cohort 34 from Tax Audit and Revenue Administration (TARA) Programme

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), in partnership with the Management Institute for National Development (MIND), proudly celebrates the graduation of Cohort 34 of the Tax Audit and Revenue Administration (TARA) Post Graduate Diploma Programme. The ceremony was held on Friday, May 29 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston.

The TARA programme is a flagship initiative dedicated to strengthening Jamaica’s tax administration system through professional training and capacity building. This year’s graduating cohort comprises 23 participants, all internal members of TAJ, who have successfully completed the rigorous 15-month programme designed to equip revenue professionals with advanced auditing, taxation, and compliance competencies.

In attendance at the TARA Graduation Ceremony was Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Zavia Mayne. He provided a brief history on the programme, “The TARA Programme carries a distinguished legacy spanning more than four decades. Its origins can be traced to 1981, when a technical assistance initiative examined the capacity needs of Jamaica’s revenue services and identified the necessity for specialized professional training in tax auditing and revenue administration”.

He continued, “That initiative evolved into the Tax Auditor Scholarship Programme in 1986 through collaboration between the Government of Jamaica and international development partners”.

TARA consists of 21 courses delivered over approximately 897 classroom hours and 900 hours of practical training. Successful completion of all courses and the 6 months of structured On-the-Job Training (OJT), which provides practical exposure within TAJ’s Audit Unit, are required for certification. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ainsley Powell, Commissioner General at TAJ, and a graduate of the programme’s inaugural cohort, underscored the strategic importance of TARA in building the organization’s future leadership and technical capacity.

“There’s a need to build a cadre of professionals within TAJ who are not only technically competent, but also forward-thinking, service-oriented, and equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving environment. Its genesis lies in our organisation’s recognition that transformation does not happen by chance; it is driven by people who are intentionally prepared to think critically, act strategically, and serve with integrity”, he said.

The Commissioner General emphasized that while technical competence remains central to the programme, equal importance is placed on developing the values and professional standards necessary for public service. 

“TARA also emphasizes values such as integrity, accountability, professionalism, and transparency. These are the principles that define not only a strong organization, but also a trusted public institution. In fact, these principles are part of TAJ’s Core Values. So, as you move forward, I encourage you to carry these values with you in every decision you make and every interaction you have”, he ended.

The curriculum is designed to provide trainees with a comprehensive understanding of the procedures, responsibilities, and professional standards associated with auditing and compliance within TAJ. The programme also serves as the first level of professional training in Tax Administration, preparing graduates for continued professional and educational development throughout their careers.

According to data from MIND, the 23 participants completed all 21 modules of the programme, achieving 100% pass rate across every course and an overall programme mean of 81.7%.

Among the highest performing courses were several technically specialized areas, including – Auditing Through the Computer; the Legal and Technical Framework of Jamaica Customs; the Legal and Technical Framework of Tax Fraud; and Miscellaneous Taxes.

Scholarships for the programme are awarded to qualified individuals with academic backgrounds in Management Studies, Accounting, Business Administration, and ACCA Level II qualifications, reflecting TAJ’s commitment to cultivating highly skilled tax professionals capable of supporting Jamaica’s fiscal development and national growth.

In closing, Minister Mayne gave a charge to Cohort 34, “TAs you assume assignments across the varying Revenue Service Centres, remember that you are representatives of the State and custodians of public confidence. The standards you uphold will influence how citizens view our tax systems”. 

The TARA Programme is jointly administered by MIND and TAJ, and accredited by the University Council of Jamaica. TAJ encourages persons interested in the TARA Programme to contact TAJ Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP (888-829-4357) or visit www.jamaicatax.gov.jm once application opens.