NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2024 14 Harmony Spanning Horizons: Jamaica Customs’ Purposeful Dance By Crystal Cunningham (MFAFT), National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA), and the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA). These upcoming agencies will further expand the reach and capabilities of the JSWIFT platform. JSWIFT Phase two outlines comprehensive plans for the future in its ongoing commitment to enhance trade facilitation. Key elements of the plan include: • The completion of remaining import and export services for the remaining Partner Government Agencies. • Various improvements such as enhanced system response times, further reductions in LPCO processing times and software bugs. • The recruitment of additional human resources, ongoing capacity-building efforts, change management initiatives, and continued stakeholder sensitisation and training. • Refinements to standard operating procedures, system enhancements, infrastructure improvements, and upgrades to e-payment services. • Acceptance of Jamaica’s Central Bank Digital Currency (JAM-DEX) as a means of payment. • Improvements to the transfer services between JSWIFT and ASYCUDA • Upgrades to identity validation services, • Integration with the National Business Portal (NBP) and other key government trade-related services. Importantly, the focus on full compliance with data protection practices and guidelines is integral to current and future initiatives. For information requests, submit inquiries to info@jswift.gov.jm. Users and stakeholders seeking assistance with JSWIFT platform services can contact the JSWIFT Client Services Team at support@ jswift.gov.jm or by phone at (876) 750-3050, (876) 750-3096-7. At the heart of our little island, where ocean kisses shore, The Jamaica Customs Agency engineers a dance, a tale of wonder. Embracing partners, traditional, new, and from afar, A purposeful dance beneath the island’s guiding star. Under the tropic sun, traditions stand firm, A mix of history and pride, a cultural pursuit, With reggae beats and tales to tell, the island’s story shared, A weaved tapestry of culture, where old and new merges. With determination as their chant, Customs stands with strength, Preserver of the gateway, embracing heritage’s shine, In the echoes of our ancestors and the rhythmic beat, Jamaica’s legacy lays bare, a dance yet to be done. On this global stage, new partners join the fray, With innovators and collaborators leading the way, Technology and advancement in the spotlight, bold and bright, The JCA embraces, a narrative yet to be told. The pound of the island’s heart in each transaction’s beat, Tradition and modernity, in consonance they meet. With purpose as their guide, navigating far and wide, Captivating international partners, side by side. Solidarity in diversity, a melody divine, The JCA and partners in a global rhyme The dance transforms, an ever-shifting design, Celebrating unity, stitched into every line. In this pulsating journey, where traditions entwine, The Jamaica Customs Agency, a beacon so bright With resolution in their dance, a global symmetry, An indication of strength, where Jamaica’s indomitable spirit is unrestrained. (Crystal Cunningham is an employee of the JCA, Office Services Branch) JSWIFT CONTINUED FROM 13 INT’L CUSTOMS DAY & CUSTOMS WEEK 2024 FEATURE
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