Church Service Kicks Off Customs Week in the West

Customs Week activities in the west commenced on Sunday, January 25, with a church service, held at the St. Paul’s United Church, in Montego Bay, St. James.

The week, which ends on January 30, is being held under the theme: “Coordinated Border Management – an Inclusive Approach for Connecting Stakeholders’.

Heading the list of persons attending the service were Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris and his wife, Dr. Angela Harris, Principal of the Montego Bay Community College.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), Major Richard Reese, in his message, read by the Deputy CEO, Karlene Henry, said that the successful fulfillment of the JCA’s mandate to be trade facilitators and border protector can only be achieved through coordinated efforts with other agencies and stakeholders.

“Our Custom Officers are cognizant of the role they have to play in revenue collection for sustainability of Jamaica’s economy and growth.  At the end of December 2014, the agency was able to surpass its revenue target of $106.963 billion in collecting gross revenue of J$118.911 billion and net revenue of J$108.545 billion,” he noted.

The CEO said that despite having limited resources, Custom Officers are often called on to go above and beyond the call of duty and are still able to maintain a high level of professionalism, while delivering quality custom service.

“This year, our focus will be on completing the Executive Agency’s transition of staff and implementing amendments to the custom legislation and policy change decisions.  The JCA will continue to improve its operations to be aligned with international best practices and standards. This can be achieved through coordinated border management,” Major Reece said.

He informed that the agency is poised to play its part in the Logistics Hub Initiative, citing the recent implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World pilot export model.

“This ASYCUDA will positively impact clearance processes and timelines, which is vital if the agency is to keep pace with the global trade environment.  The JCA must re-engineer its business processes to adapt to evolving trends, seeking to improve inefficiencies, while maintaining dialogue with our stakeholders,” Major Reese said.

Custos of St. James, Hon. Ewen Corrodus, in his message read by President of the St. James Lay Magistrates Association, Justice Claudette Bryan, said that essential to any country’s sovereign integrity is its capacity to maintain the integrity of its borders.

“In this globalised village, with its many challenges and opportunities, successful border control demands wide ranging multi-stakeholder collaborations.  Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” he said.

Other activities for the week include: Stakeholders Appreciation Day, (western Jamaica), January 28; and on Friday, January 30, Customs Kiddies treat at the Old Hospital Park in Montego Bay.