NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 37 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 MEMBERS OF the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) utilised their presence at the Court Administration Division’s Public Education Day Symposium to raise awareness about the extensive legal functions performed by the Agency, while also highlighting recent developments regarding data protection within the organisation. Since the enactment of the Data Protection Act in Jamaica in December 2023, the Jamaica Customs Agency has implemented several measures, including the appointment of a Data Protection Officer who supports the Agency’s accountability for the safeguarding of the substantial volumes of personal data collected from various stakeholder groups. Additionally, staff sensitisation has begun, to deepen their understanding of the Act and its impact on the operations of the agency. The Public Education Day Symposium, held on October 8, 2025, brought together staff and students from surrounding schools, members of the legal community, and the general public at the St. Ann Family Court grounds. This event provided an opportunity for various stakeholders within the Judiciary of Jamaica to showcase their current processes and initiatives. As a key guardian of Jamaica’s borders, the JCA shared with attendees the agency’s critical responsibility beyond trade facilitation and revenue collection. Visitors to the JCA booth were informed about the extensive list of restricted and prohibited items that have, respectively, conditional entry into the country, for example toy guns and fireworks, and those not allowed at all, such as honey and counterfeit money; and explanations provided to underscore the importance of these restrictions and the legal implications. Jaya Kamoze of the Judiciary of Jamaica expressed her appreciation for the Jamaica Customs Agency’s participation, noting that many individuals primarily encounter the Agency in the context of travel or importation. Ms Kamoze remarked, “It is very important to have you here to get some feedback and some knowledge from the team about your various mandates.” She further emphasised the relevance of Customs’ presence at the event, stating, “a lot of our [court] matters come from detection of contraband at the borders and so Customs is a part of the justice system… and so it is important to see, know and interact with you. Even now, you guys have cases before us so it is important that you are here so we can both learn more about each other,” she concluded reiterating her appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with the agency. The Jamaica Customs Agency continues to strengthen its local and international partnerships while fostering greater awareness and understanding among citizens. Team members of the Jamaica Customs Agency engage students and members of the public at the Court Administration Division’s Public Education Day Symposium on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in St Ann. Data Protection Officer, Mr. Desmond Pringle, shares in a quick picture with students from Moneague College at the Court Administration Division’s Public Education Day Symposium. CUSTOMS SPEAKS DATA PROTECTION AND LEGAL AFFAIRS IN ST ANN Chief Justice of Jamaica, Hon Mr Justice Bryan Sykes (second left) OJ, CD, surrounded by his team, tries his luck at JCA’s Spin the Wheel while JCA’s Legal Officer, Trichana Gray Nicholson (second right), and System Administrator, Brenton Clarke (first right), wait to see what was won. JCA’s Legal Officer, Trichana Gray Nicholson (right) presents a small token to Jaya Kamoze of the Judiciary of Jamaica for her participation at the JCA Booth.
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