Customs exceed revenue target for first quarter

MONTEGO BAY — The Customs Department is reporting significant earnings for the first quarter of the 2011/2012 financial year, with the revenue target overshot by $1.4 billion.

According to Commissioner of Customs, Danville Walker, the increase in earnings is despite a cut in rates for the importation of motor vehicles, which he describes as a courageous move on the part of the Government.

“We are $147 million ahead of the last quarter in the motor vehicle department, so we are not losing revenue.  It was a courageous move and I want to commend those who took it,” he stated on July 13, 2011, while giving the main address at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s quarterly luncheon at the Palmyra Resort and Spa in Rose Hall.

Mr. Walker attributed the achievement to the work of the Customs staff throughout the island and systems put in place to improve efficiency of operations and to make it easier for persons to do business with the department.

Among them is the night deposit system, which he said, has been a “phenomenal success."

The system, which came into effect on May 2, 2011, allows importers/customs brokers to physically lodge c87 forms (import entry forms used for commercial goods) between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

“Entries can now be deposited at night in Customs. It is working so successfully that it is almost like people waiting until night (to submit their entries),” Mr. Walker stated. 

He informed that the system will be introduced in Montego Bay by September of this year.

By BRYAN MILLER, JIS Reporter