Jamaica Customs to Seek Approval for Reopening of Queen’s Warehouse

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) will be seeking approval from the Public Health Department for the reopening of the Queens Warehouse following feedback from the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

The facility, located on Spanish Town Road, was closed in November of last year due to the possible release of hazardous fumes.

Director of Marine Warehouses at JCA, Joycelyn Payne, said the Public Health Department and fire brigade were invited to conduct follow-up assessment of the facility, after a clean-up exercise, which included the disposal of all items not fit for sale.

Mrs. Payne, who was addressing a press briefing held recently at the agency’s Newport East headquarters, said that all persons involved in the clean-up were provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

She informed that the warehouse was washed to remove grease and other items from the ground, and 10 containers were purchased to be used as remedial storage for items that should not be warehoused.

All staff assigned to the warehouse have been redeployed to other areas within Customs. They have also benefited from sensitisation sessions as well as first aid training and a safety workshop.

Mrs. Payne said the JCA intends to undertake the repair/replacement of shelves; install safety showers and eyewash stations; and provide hazmat spill clean-up kits at the facility.

These activities should be completed within the next three to six months.

Since the closure of the warehouse, 14 auctions have been conducted at two secure off-site locations, with some $124,095,721.69 realised in revenue.