Dalley Says Govt Will “Level Playfield” At Customs

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and the Public Service, Hon. Horace Dalley, says the Government is committed to creating equality among clients of the Customs department.

“The same treatment that is given to (large companies)…must be given to that little woman who is pulling those four boxes through to feed 40 mouths. The playing field must be level, equal treatment must be given to everybody,” he said.

Mr. Dalley was speaking at a Jamaica Customs stakeholder’s forum Tuesday (January 24), at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. It was held under the theme, “Borders Divide, Customs Connect’.

He said improvement in service delivery at the Customs Department was important, as the government strives to increase revenue collection, adding that the Department contributes some 35 per cent of the national revenue.

He stressed that the continuous training of customs officers was critical, so that they can easily identify false documents.

“We know that some people will go to any length to circumvent the paying of taxes and relevant duties…and, therefore, our officers have to be at all times on the lookout to ensure that we capture as much revenue as possible,” he said.

The Minister noted that training in customer service is another critical area which should always be pursued, to ensure that the needs of clients are easily met.

“We are prepared to work with our partners to ensure improved efficiency, improved customer service, improved facilitation, to ensure that the national good also sees some improvement,” he said, adding that transforming the Department is paramount.

Commissioner of Customs, Devon Rowe, said the department will continue to develop the consultative atmosphere of dialogue between government agencies and stakeholders, to facilitate traders and eliminate obstacles in the clearing processes, in order to benefit the private sector as well as to stimulate foreign investments.

The forum was part of activities to mark Customs Week 2012, which is being celebrated Sunday, January 22 to Thursday, January 26.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter