NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2024 10 partners, guided by our core values: customer-focused, accountability, professionalism, integrity, and transparency (CAPIT, as it is popular known by our stakeholders). We also place great value on fostering and enhancing strong partnerships through technological advancements. The interweaving of technological Customs systems, such as ASYCUDA World, the Port Community System and the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT), are practical examples of what technological driven partnerships can do in improving processes for government entities (such as border regulatory agencies), traders, businesses, industry partners and our citizens. We place great value on partnering with our local business sector and their associations, such the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association. We also look forward to partnering with other sectors, including academia. It is through the assistance of various partnerships that the agency achieved significant milestones in 2023, which served to solidify our position as a model Customs administration and government agency. Some of these achievements included: advancement of our staff welfare and development programmes; development of our Compliance Strategy and Plan; implementation of several stakeholder-driven programmes, including the hosting of our inaugural stakeholder awards ceremony; and the introduction of body-worn cameras for Customs Officers. Additionally, our Contactless Clearance Process and Customs Mobile app, JaCustoms Connect, have offered businesses, traders, industry partners and our citizens a more efficient way of transacting business with the agency. It is also through partnerships that, along with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, and other partners, we undertook the implementation of the Electronic Immigration/ Customs Declaration Form for incoming passengers at the airports. The forging of mutual partnerships have contributed significantly to the continued success of the agency. We have deepened relations with local, regional, and international law-enforcement partners, thus strengthening our capability to effectively disrupt criminal networks. In this regard, our engagements with local and international partners have led to, among other things, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Crime Stop Jamaica and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau for Jamaica for the sharing of information. In furtherance of our regional and international partnerships, we maintained close relations with the World Customs Organisation, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council, CARICOM’s Implementing Agency for Crime and Security and its Joint Regional Communication Centre, as well as several international liaisons through various governments’ embassies and high commissions (to include France, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea). These partnerships have fostered critical engagements resulting in capacity-building, donation of equipment, operational intelligence, risk-management and trade facilitation initiatives. As the global landscape, trade and travel evolve, the Jamaica Customs Agency remains committed to sustaining traditional partnerships, while creating avenues for engaging new and evolving partners, as well as capitalising on opportunities with emerging partners that will enhance our capability to further grow, innovate, modernise, transform and deliver quality service, in keeping with national and international requirements. As we continue in 2024 and beyond, our resolve is to continue partnering with you, with purpose. VELMA RICKETTS WALKER, JP CEO/Commissioner of Customs INT’L CUSTOMS DAY & CUSTOMS WEEK 2024 FEATURE
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