More Electronic Transactions to be Done at Customs

The information processing platform of the Jamaica Customs Agency is to be upgraded to allow for more transactions to be done electronically, Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, has informed.

Dr. Phillips said the move, which is in keeping with the Government’s economic reform efforts, will also facilitate greater collection of data electronically.

Speaking at a handing-over ceremony for two buses at Jamaica Customs head office in Kingston on August 28, the Minister informed that the Customs Agency has been undergoing many far reaching changes, one of which  was becoming a fully fledged Executive Agency in April last year.

Dr. Phillips noted that “other changes are on the horizon”, including a review of “the overall tariff provisions as we seek to make our economy more competitive.”

In the meantime, the Finance Minister lauded the Commissioner of Customs, Major (Ret’d) Richard Reese and the management of the Jamaica Customs Agency in acquiring the buses, which will improve the conditions of staff welfare.

“In very concrete ways, they will assist staff by reducing the cost of transportation; they will certainly allow for greater ease of movement between the different offices of customs, particularly King Street and  Customs House; and they will be able to support the staff moving to various other customs locations across the country,” he said.

For his part, Major Reese said the acquisition of the buses is just one of several welfare initiatives of the agency, noting that plans are afoot to establish a hostel in Montego Bay; to meet wellness needs, such as establishing a gymnasium; and to offer after care services.

The agency purchased the two buses for staff usage in an effort to facilitate travelling for training exercises, to out ports, and to and from work. The vehicles will serve staff in Kingston, Montego Bay and St. Ann’s Bay.

This acquisition forms part of measures that have been put in place to ensure that during the current wage restraint, public service employees are facilitated as much as possible, as a result of the Heads of Agreement signed by the Government of Jamaica and civil servants in March 2013.