Jamaica Customs Agency

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 20 CUSTOMS W EK T HE JAMAICA Customs Agency (JCA) was selected from a list of Customs administrations across the world as the beneficiary for the Korea Customs Service (KCS) 2020 Modernisation Project. This was subsequent to the conducting of a feasibility study by the Korea Customs Service (KCS) in Jamaica during 2019 and the submission of a project concept paper by the JCA. Korea Customs Service is deemed among the best in cus- toms services across the world and currently ranks in the top five. Jamaica Customs stood to benefit from this engagement as it potentially created a plat- form for discussions surrounding trending customs modernisation topics such as digitisation; use of artificial intelligence; use of big data model and other globally ac- cepted standards to improve our business processes. The overall focus of the consul- tancy project was the execution of an environmental analysis; ex- amination of the current state of the JCA; and establishment of an improvement plan for the JCA sur- rounding key areas such as law, institution, procedure and ICT. The project was executed virtually due to the pandemic, and was led by the international consulting firmKCNET Global and managed from Jamaica by the JCA’s Trade Facilitation and Special Projects Unit. Throughout the six-month period, the JCA staff benefited from train- ing sessions and exchange of ex- periences and know-how in several key customs areas, such as import clearance; use of advanced cargo and passenger information; intel- ligence-based risk management; establishing user-centred training system combining online and of- fline methods; reviewing the use of new technologies; and digital transformation. The project consultancy ended in December 2020 and a comprehensive report on the future model for improvement was pro- vided by the consulting firm. This is under review by the JCA. – Contributed by the Trade Facilitation Unit, JCA Jamaica Customs benefits from Korea Customs Service 2020 modernisation project Members of the Korea Customs team and Easter services were also conducted to ensure employees were nourished spiritually. • The new work arrangements and the re- gimes of social distancing can significantly impact the mental health of individuals. Through the agency’s Employee Assistance Programme (that offers confidential counsel- ling to employees and their immediate family members), a number of sessions on mental health were facilitated, which provided em- ployees with coping tips. Additionally, group counselling sessions were held with teams that had been impacted by COVID. This al- lowed a safe space for employees to share their concerns and fears. • ‘Time to Talk’ sessions were held focus- ing on two topical issues affecting not only employees, but the general population. Balancing telework and online school can be stressful. To mitigate the stress that can be caused by this new arrangement, a par- enting session was facilitated to ensure em- ployees were equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools in balancing the ‘new’ telework regime and their children’s online learning. With persons being at home more, the data have shown an increase in domestic violence. Taking this into account, an infor- mation-sharing session was conducted on domestic violence, helping those that may be affected to find their safe space. • As the country went through various phases of COVID 19 response, physical ac- tivity was promoted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. To ensure the physical well- ness of employees, the agency’s exercise pro- gramme was conducted online during the early response phase. Once the Government’s protocols allowed, outdoor exercise classes resumed. • An entire month was dedicated to em- ployee wellness under the theme ‘Nutrition: Eat Right, Bite by Bite’. Activities during the month focused on giving employees the tools tomaking right nutrition decisions, especially during this time when the health of the im- mune system is important. It included weekly educational sessions focusing on nutrition, a garden-to-plate challenge, employee recipe challenge, and a spiritual wellness fest. • To ensure business continuity with respect to staffing, online recruitment, interviews and on-boarding were conducted. This was a new and necessary step for the agency, as we had to ensure that critical positions were filled to maintain a sustainable supply chain. • To facilitate communication, a special email, ‘jcacares’, was created for employees to send their concerns and questions. This email was monitored by some members of the HRMD COVID Response Team. • For International Men’s Day, the JCA joined the Bureau of Gender Affairs in support of this year’s observation under the theme ‘A Man’s Health is a Man’s Wealth: Men and Healthy Lifestyle Practices During the Pandemic’. In recognition of the 19th year of International Men’s Day in Jamaica, the agency recognised male employees who served the organisation for 19 years, as well as those who are leading by exemplary service within the agency and their wider community. • Managing blended (remote and face to face) teams can be a challenge for supervisors. To equip this cadre of staff with tools to man- age during the shift, the HRMPOWERMENT series shifted its focus to facilitate a series dubbed ‘Leading in the new normal’. Of course, all of this was achieved through our quick adaptation to widescale use of technology. With the restrictions placed on gatherings, these engagements had to be done virtually. The HRMD remains committed to com- municating, responding and caring for our human resource during this time as the JCA team continues to serve in their respective areas, providing the necessary support as we look towards renewal, recovery and re- maining resilient, being key personnel in the supply chain. – Contributed by the Human Resource and Management Division, JCA RESILIENT CONTINUED FROM 19