Customs Brokers Hailed for Work in Global Trade
By: , May 9, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Michael Sloley
State Minister in the Finance and Public Service Ministry, Hon. Fayval Williams (left), having a light exchange with President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica (CBFFAJ), Marcia Bent (right), at the group’s 50th anniversary banquet, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on May 7. At centre is the Association’s first President, Louis Williams, who was one of the persons honoured at the function.The Facts
- According to her, the association has learnt in those years that it must not “live within the precincts of our problems and challenges.”
- Several persons were recognised for their contribution to the CBFFAJ. They include its first President, Louis Williams and former President, T. Leo Samuels.
The Full Story
State Minister in the Finance and Public Service Ministry, Hon. Fayval Williams, has hailed customs brokers and freight forwarders for their work in facilitating global trade.
Speaking at a banquet to mark the 50th anniversary of the Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica (CBFFAJ), at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on May 7, the State Minister lauded the association for its role in removing the hassle of clearing goods.
“Imagine if everyone receiving freight or a package had to show up at Customs to clear it themselves, what chaos would emerge,” said the State Minister, who represented Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.
While acknowledging the gains made by the group, Mrs. Williams informed that more work needs to be done, especially as “countries expand trade and modernise their ports to facilitate the speed of trade.”
Meanwhile, President of the Association, Marcia Bent, noted that her organisation has shown great resilience in the last 50 years when faced with “difficult odds.”
“We have always sought to build our organisation on the basis of strong relationships. We continue to deepen all connections that have made us strong,” Ms. Bent said.
According to her, the association has learnt in those years that it must not “live within the precincts of our problems and challenges.”
For his part, Commissioner of Customs, Major Richard Reese, paid tribute to the contribution of customs brokers and freight forwarders.
He emphasised that it is time to embrace system changes that will facilitate a paperless system, enabling millions of dollars in savings.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kingston Wharves Limited, Grantley Stephenson, informed that customs brokers ought to welcome changes to better deal efficiently with their clients.
“Technology and sophisticated tools are to be the custom brokers best tools,” the CEO said.
Several persons were recognised for their contribution to the CBFFAJ. They include its first President, Louis Williams and former President, T. Leo Samuels.