Jamaica Customs Agency

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 11 CUSTOMS W EK System (PCS) and the ASYCUDA World System, respectively. This melding of systems creates a streamlined and efficient operating platform for the maritime commu- nity through automation of port and logistics processes. Transport and logistics supply chains are thus connected through a single elec- tronic submission, which simplifies and accelerates the Customs clear- ance process. RESILIENCE BY PUTTING ‘PEOPLE’ AT THE CENTRE OF CHANGE To create greater resilience‘people’ should be placed at the centre of the recoverymodel. Pandemics are con- sidered to be systemic risks, much like natural disasters. They often appear without sufficient warning and their impact remains largely unpredictable. However, Customs administrations are being called upon to build on lessons learnt and address vulnerabilities to facilitate the way forward. People around the world have scarcely been un- touched by this pandemic and have had to adjust their daily routines to adapt to this new reality. Similarly, Customs as an organisation has to adapt to this changing environment and rethink its general operations to becomemore resilient by enhancing preparedness, and raising awareness through capacity building by invest- ing in the human element. Resilience cannot be underscored without contemplating integrity, diversity and inclusion. According to theWCO General Secretary Kunio Mikuriya, “a lack of integrity can distort trade and investment op- portunities, undermine public trust in government administration and ultimately jeopardise the well-being of citizens, which in times of recov- ery could prove to be a recipe for failure”. The JCA is passionate about putting people first. With a strong commitment to Human Resources, the JCA has achieved tremendous growth in building out its Human Resource and Development Branch to address all aspects of employee and stakeholder well-being. From training and development to gender equality, the JCA remains current with all international com- mitments, promoting the well-be- ing of its human capital. Being a revenue collecting agency, integrity is a high agenda area and is consid- ered in the execution of all Customs processes. The JCA adopted theWCORevised ArushaDeclaration, whichguides the JCA Integrity Policy and addresses all aspects of human resources in the context of Customs operations, inclusive of responsible leadership, social welfare and employee com- pensation. Employee safety within the Customs environment is also highly prioritised, so adapting to the challenges of COVID-19was and continues to be a high priority area. As a part of adapting to the new reality, sanitisation protocols were increased due to the high contagion elements of COVID-19, and distribu- tion of personal protective equip- ment to all staff were increased. In order to minimise human contact, more Customs processes became available online, bolstered by flexi- work hours and staggered work days. These progressive elements of Customs operations have served the JCA and its stakeholders well dur- ing this pandemic, fostering greater efficiency and promotingwell-being. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of not only how quickly the world can change but also of our ability to adapt, remain resilient and recover in the face of adversity. The coronavirus pandemic has had catalytic effects on global objectives that have been promoted for years and acts as impetus for achieving the change that was occurring at a slower than desired pace. The use of technology features very prom- inently as an area of change and every nation has had to increase its use, irrespective of resources and capacity. The JCA did not shy away from the challenges brought by COVID-19, the agency demonstrated a commitment to adapt and improve on service delivery and avoided an economic shutdown by keeping the borders open and fully functional. The JCA has simplified and harmo- nised the majority of its customs procedures, as well as increased ef- ficiencies through trade facilitation and continues to enhance collab- oration through stakeholder part- nerships. Focusing on the road to recovery, the JCA has demonstrated its ability to leverage technology and remain resilient, while using innova- tion to adapt to change. – Contributed by International & Industry Liaison Unit, JCA SUPPLY CONTINUED FROM 9