The official commissioning of these virtual collectorates took place this morning at the St. Andrew Collectorate on Constant Spring Road.  So far, two virtual collectorates have been established with the second being at the Kingston Collectorate on King Street.  In addition to Internet connectivity via ADSL, Cable & Wireless has also provided four of its state-of-the-art Max Internet access devices in each of the two collectorates - to allow taxpayers to transact their business in a hassle-free environment at these locations.

Speaking at this morning's commissioning function Commerce, Science and Technology Minister, Philip Paulwell, lauded the establishment of the facility as testimony to what could be achieved through partnership between the private sector and Government to help improve overall efficiency and the realization of national development objectives.

He praised Cable & Wireless for its continuing commitment and support for the e-Government initiative and its plans to dramatically expand the availability of broadband connectivity throughout the country.

President Jacqueline Holding said C&WJ, Jamaica's leading provider of Internet services, was pleased to be able to assist with the establishment of the facility as the company appreciated the value of speed, convenience and efficiency in the delivery of Government services.

Other partners in the establishment of the virtual collectorate - initiated by the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology - include the Bank of Nova Scotia, The Inter-American Development Bank, the Tax Administration Services Department, Inland Revenue Department and Fiscal Services Limited.