Jamaica Customs Agency

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 17 CUSTOMS W EK T HE JAMAICA Customs Agency reaffirms its commitment to performing its core functions of trade facilitation, border protec- tion and revenue collection, espe- cially during these unprecedented times of global uncertainty caused by the coronavirus (COVID 19). This pandemic has tested the stability of global trade and, in particular, the logistics of getting critical supplies to its final destination in a timely and reliable manner. As such, main- taining integrity in the supply chain is of paramount importance. As it relates to this year’s theme, the agency remains resolute due to an appreciation of the reliance placed on its operations in a pan- demic environment. In light of this, strategic adjustments of various mechanisms have been made to ensure not only continued main- tenance but sustainability of the supply chain. These adjustments would create a need to reconfigure the manner in which key arms of the agency function, and as such assist the continuation of a seamless flow for the importation and exportation of goods. To this end, there is continuous administration of anti-corruption and integrity strategies, both covert and overt, geared towards targeting corruption and strength- ening our internal capacity to en- sure honesty and professionalism in service delivery. The agency, as members of the World Customs Organization (WCO), chairs its Capacity Building Committee and participates in the Integrity Subcommittee. The agency reaps the benefits as the opportunity for alignment of international best practices is allowed. Recently, the agency also participated in the revision of the WCO’s Integrity Development Guide, which allows customs administrations to pro- vide the most practical basis for the development and implemen- tation of integrity and anti-cor- ruption strategies relevant to the customs operating environment. Other initiatives include but are not limited to the following: • Conducting fair and impartial in- vestigations as well as enforcement operations; • Administration of fair and impartial reviews associated with the internal appeals process; • Continuous engagement with staff members and external stakeholders relating to matters of corruption; • Administration of security vet- ting operations and activities for all employees in order to protect the agency’s image and reputation; • Strengthening internal controls through re-evaluation of our pro- cesses and procedures; • Develop relevant mecha- nisms to identify and treat with vulnerabilities; •Taking relevant steps toadopting the principles of International Standards Organisation (ISO) and striving to at- tain the necessary certification. The pandemic has given rise to further use and advancement of our information and communications technology capabilities, which has allowed for a continuation of the agency’s efforts tominimise corrup- tion andmaintain integrity. The JCA remains committed to improving transparency, accountability and greater visibility as we strive tomake Jamaica a safer place for all while protecting our national security in- terests and fiscal obligations. The agency continues its commit- ment to our motto ‘Country above Self’ as well as to its core values – Customer-focused, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity and Transparency (CAPIT). If you have information regard- ing any deviation of the agency’s core values, you may contact us via our Customer Relationship and Feedback Form (CRFF) located on our website. You may call or write to us at: telephone number: 876 750 3020; email: internalaffairs@jca.gov.jm . All information provided remains confidential. The JCA maintains its commitment to promoting integrity in the supply chain CUSTOMS TIP The minimum cost to clear a barrel containing food items and clothing that are non-commercial in nature is J$6,500.