Jamaica Customs Agency

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 15 SEE MORE ON PAGE 16 CUSTOMS W EK Eulalee Thompson Manager Post-Clearance Audit, Montego Bay 2020 proved to be a dynamic year. It flung upon us the unexpected, to which we had to respond with wit and alacrity. However, our teamproved tobe resilient, asmembers adapted to the changes swiftly. Constant contact and communi- cation, alongwithmonitoring and support, propelledmy team to remain focused and ahead in terms of deliverables. While I led the team, our success was indeed an entire team effort! 2020 proved that we may not always be able to plan for change, but we can rise above the challenges that change brings. It has opened our eyes to new possibilities, newways of thinking, and newways of doing things. Above all, we are still here – a stronger and wiser set of individuals, ready to face new possibilities together. Jacinth Mighty Manager Entry Processing, Montego Bay Like every other team, the Entry Processing/ Valuation Unit, Montego Bay was adversely affected by the pandemic. We transitioned to‘work fromhome’with two things inmind – to ensure our safety and well-being, and to ensure we maintained our productivity. Here are some of the things done: • The staff was categorised and rostered, in order to cater to individual needs. • Using our WhatsApp group not only for work-related matters, but also to provide periodic icebreakers. • Having online meetings to check upon team members, provide spiritual upliftment, provide commendations, and highlight top achievers. • Maintaining human contact, by coming into the office in small numbers. This way we remained ‘in touch’. Remember that teams comprise of humans and not ma- chines. Looking out for staff well-being andmaintaining open lines of communication will foster greater cohesion that will allow for a more effective team. KEEPING OUR FLAME ALIVE – IN THE FACE OF COVID-19 Customs managers share tips for coping and maintaining productivity CUSTOMS TIP Items that are imported for temporary use in Jamaica (for example, racing cars) must have identifying marks or serial numbers and should not be consumable in Jamaica. Please note, also, that a security deposit equivalent to the import duty must be posted.