International Customs Day & Week 2022

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022 27 agencies. “Major commendationmust be given to the JCA for the digital initiatives already implemented that are enabling the public sector to serve better, for exam- ple, the Jamaica SingleWindow for Trade (JSWIFT) – a collaboration with our Border Regulator Agencies, that creates a single ecosystem for trade locally and internationally,”Minister Dunn said. “JSWIFT is an important step in the right direction, as this single access point allows for easier submis- sion of documents, along with the improvements to the ASYCUDA systems,” he added. He said, too, that the implementation of these initiatives amid the global health crisis “speaks to the visionary leadership and committed team at Jamaica Customs”. Meanwhile, CEO/Commissioner of the JCAVelma Ricketts Walker, in delivering her Customs Week message, reminded the congregation (virtual and physical) to“reflect on the past year and be spiritually reignited for the rest of the year and beyond”. Commissioner RickettsWalker also acknowledged the many challenges brought on by the global pan- demic, and thanked the JCA employees for adapting to the new paradigm. Additionally, a minute of silence was observed for Brian Andrews, Paul Thompson, and Carol Caseman, staff members who died recently. Each year the international customs community celebrates International Customs Day (ICD) in recog- nition of the vital role of customs officials in handling the flow of goods across international borders. CUSTOMS WEEK