Jamaica Customs Agency

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 6 CUSTOMS W EK M E S S A G E S W E BEGIN 2021 with the knowledge that the next few years will be some of the most challenging. The rapid spread of the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all societies severely, in the process, depressing economic growth and the livelihoods of individuals. By all indications, eco- nomic recovery – to pre-pandemic levels – will be a long and arduous undertaking, all the more difficult a task for middle-income developing countries like Jamaica. More so than at any time in recent memory, our nation requires an all- hands-on-deck effort to ensure that we emerge from this international ca- tastrophe with a stronger and more sustainable economy than before. We must transform the prescription of‘joined-up-government’into a reality wherein all the players in public and private sectors and civil society are on the samepage and focusedon thegoal of economic recovery and growth. The Jamaica Customs Agency is by definition one of the key institutions in thisnecessaryprocessof recovery. Its ca- pacity to facilitatecross-border transac- tions efficientlywithout compromising health, safetyandsecurity isparamount as we seek to grow our exports and manage the imports of raw materials andother goods at a timewhenweare alsoemphasising food security and im- port substitutionmeasures. It is timely, in the midst of so much uncertainty, that we expect to shortly operationalise a new and fit-for-pur- pose Customs Act because in many respects, firms perceived the previous act and its regulations as representing undue hindrances to trade. We are bolstered by the JCA’s commitment and acknowledged actions to be a fa- cilitator rather than having a primary focus on revenue collection. The agency’s investments in in- frastructure (including digital in- frastructure), and its whole-scale participation in collaborative in- ter-agency working groups with the input of private sector stakeholders to streamline the processes of trade, stand it in good stead to operate as a more robust, proactive and respon- sive player in the global supply chain. On the occasion of International Customs Day, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce pledges its ongoing commitment to maintaining our firm and mutually beneficial partnership with the Jamaica Customs Agency. LLOYD DISTANT President, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce JCA – one of the key institutions in the process of recovery J AMAICA’S SHIPPING indus- try is historically and inextri- cably linked to operations of Jamaica Customs, and the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) whole- heartedly supports the theme for this year’s CustomsWeek –‘Customs Bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a Sustainable Supply Chain’. This theme reflects an ap- preciation of the need for all stake- holders to focus on the importance of maintaining an efficient supply chain, underpinned by seamless cargo operations, while keeping our people safe during challenging times such as the current pandemic. We therefore applaud the Jamaica Customs Agency for their efforts to promote an ongoing collabora- tion with Jamaica’s maritime sector, especially in these times when we are all navigating uncharted waters. Of course, we have to highlight our view that this cooperation is not without its own challenges. This year’s observance of CustomsWeek comes at a time when our nation is awaiting further improvements in the laws which underpin the success of our supply chain, and particularly the Customs Law. We are heartened that progress has been made, but we still have some way to go in this process. The Shipping Association of Jamaica is hopeful that our collab- oration with the Customs Agency, along with other stake- holder groups, will result in a legal and policy regime that serves to enable our country to develop shipping and logistics as the force it has the potential of being, based on our location and maritime history. We understand and support the focus that the agency has to place on the equitable collection of revenue and protection of Jamaica’s borders against illicit imports; but we shall continue to emphasise the equal status that we believe must be placed on the facilitation of trade. As we have done throughout our 82-year history, the SAJ continues to work closely with government agencies, including the Jamaica Customs Agency, to promote sustainability and growth in the shipping industry and the entire economy. This shared objective forms the basis for strategic part- nership among public and private sector bodies and is integral to our success as a nation. We are, therefore, happy to partic- ipate, as we always do, in Customs Week, and wish great success for all your activities. WILLIAM BROWN President, ShippingAssociation of Jamaica Great success for Customs Week T HE JAMAICA Society of Customs Brokers takes this opportunity to salute the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) on this year’s International Customs Day and week of activities. The theme this year, ‘Customs Bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a Sustainable Supply Chain’, is most relevant with the dawn of the global pandemic and its unforeseen challenges. It is evident that we must constantly be in a proactive mode to respond to the vicissitudes of both the external and internal environment and any likely impact on global trade. The JCA has distinguished it- self with true leadership with the bold vision to make the necessary changes, both technological and operational, to facilitate func- tioning in this turbulent climate. Team Customs has shown that they are strident and steadfast in providing efficient customer service. These initiatives allow our members to adapt to the new norms caused by the pandemic of working from home or the office, and the ability to deliver efficient, effective and continu- ous service to their clients. The customs broker fraternity is most appreciative. As we march forward to recov- ery and renewal, we hope that the partnership will grow stronger to further enhance efficiency and add value to the client’s experience. This, by extension, will cause us to have a resilient and sustainable supply chain. Best wishes for a successful International Customs Day and week of activities. JUNIOR B. WAUGH President, Jamaica Society of Customs Brokers True leadership with the bold vision CUSTOMS TIP When donating items to schools, the donations must be consigned to the National Education Trust and the name of the school receiving the donation.