Govt Committed to Boosting Operations at Customs – Williams

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Government is committed to ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).

 “We recognise the importance [of the work of the JCA]. We will do our best to help [to] clear the roadblocks in your way. I know there are a couple of pieces of legislation that need to be looked at and when they come our way we will try to facilitate, accelerate [and] do what we can to ensure that you have a clear path to do your work,” she assured.

She was speaking after a tour of the JCA’s Newport East headquarters in Kingston on Friday (March 18).

The State Minister urged the staff to not only collect revenue, but to maintain good customer relations.

 “It does not help …for you to collect as much revenue as you can if it is done in a manner that is just not customer-friendly and it is hard to get through…because there is a lot more revenue to be collected. I am hoping everyday when you are doing your work you think about that,” she said.

Senator Aubyn Hill, who also toured the facility, stressed the importance of providing quality customer service.

“We must collect as much of the revenue as we can, but a good way to collect is to treat [the customers] well and give them quality service and quick turnaround time. If there is an issue, find a solution and do not stop. Go out of your way to make sure you do your best and encourage your colleagues [to do the same],” he said.

During the tour State Minister Williams was also updated on the ASYCUDA World, Port Community, Enterprise Content Management and e-Trade systems, which are aimed at reducing time and cost of doing business at the ports.