NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 38 IN CELEBRATION of International Customs Day and Customs Week 2025, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), successfully hosted its first Lecture Series and Dialogue on Friday, January 31, 2025 under the International Customs Day theme, ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity.’ The event consisted of three segments: the lecture series, a panel discussion (centred on logistics, trade, border management and other Customs-related areas in an ICT world through innovation, partnership and collaboration) and an exhibition. Dr Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO and Commissioner of Customs, on giving her Greetings, shared the various advancements the agency has made to streamline its processes whilst maintaining the protection of our country’s borders and economic growth through trade facilitation. In a direct statement to students, linking the necessity of Customs in their everyday lives, Commissioner Ricketts Walker shared that, “Customs is at the heart of national security, economic growth and international trade… Every time you order something online, travel and enjoy imported snacks, the Jamaica Customs Agency plays a crucial role in making that possible.” She further stated that the agency transcends laws and regulations, it is about innovation, collaboration and building a better future for all. In bringing Greetings on behalf of the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, Dr. Kevin Brown, President of UTech, encouraged entities such as the Jamaica Customs Agency and by extension, the Government of Jamaica to seek out and make use of local talents who have been excellently trained in various areas of study from the universities across the island, to fill necessary positions island wide. Dr. Brown also used the opportunity to thank Commissioner Ricketts Walker and her team for the tangible evolution being seen with the JCA processes, from scanners (non-intrusive inspection) at the airports to digitalisation of several processes, eg, the JCA’s mobile application, JaCustoms Connect and the Electronic Immigration and Customs Declaration (C5) Form. He concluded by tasking the audience and Jamaica at large to “be known for having a highly educated workforce,” alongside being known for reggae music, sand and sea. Keynote speaker for the event, Professor Sean Thorpe, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at the University of Technology, Chair for ICT Governance Committee and Board Member on the JCA’s Advisory Board, used his address to focus on the importance of process digitalisation to efficiently serve the over 10,000 customers who interact with the Jamaica Customs Agency on a daily basis terming the agency as the leading public sector entity in relation to efficiency and modernisation of the public service. He further added that the agency has been doing “a lot more with the data. You are automating a lot more to track and monitor risks, there is heavy integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the basic services including inspection, tracking the risks level…” Though doing an excellent job thus far with efficiency through modernised Customs procedures, data-driven operations, and technology and innovation; security through strengthened supply chain security and enhanced crisis preparedness; and prosperity through fostering of innovation and entrepreneurship, and promotion of economic development, Professor Thorpe highlighted the importance of the JCA’s continuous evolution to remain proactive in its drive to be efficient for continued prosperity and security. The panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing Jamaica Customs Agency and explored how innovation, collaboration and INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 Members of the panel at the Customs Lecture Series and Dialogue. Members of the audience at the inaugural Customs Lecture Series and Dialogue held at the University of Technology, Jamaica on January 31, 2025. Commissioner, Dr Velma Ricketts Walker (left) adding to the reassurance from Professor Sean Thorpe (right) that AI is here to assist and not replace the workforce. Commissioner, Dr Velma Ricketts Walker during her greetings at the Customs Lecture Series and Dialogue. JAMAICA CUSTOMS AGENCY SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS ITS INAUGURAL LECTURE SERIES AND DIALOGUE FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND ACADEMIA Commissioner, Dr Ricketts Walker (left) engages students of the Caribbean Maritime University at the Customs Booth.
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