NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 45 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 IN 2025, Jamaica Customs Agency deepened its engagement with key private-sector partners through its Customs Business Interaction (CBI) initiative, reinforcing collaboration as a pillar of efficient trade facilitation. A major highlight was the Agency’s engagement with Red Stripe, one of Jamaica’s most established manufacturers, underscoring Customs’ commitment to open dialogue, compliance, and national development. The visit spotlighted the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, recognised for its positive impact on trade efficiency, security, and regulatory compliance. Guided by World Customs Organization (WCO) standards, the programme continued to deliver tangible benefits to certified companies, including expedited processing and streamlined procedures. Through hands-on tours and direct stakeholder engagement, Jamaica Customs strengthened mutual understanding of supply chain operations while reaffirming its role as both regulator and partner in economic growth, positioning collaboration, trust, and compliance at the centre of its 2025 achievements. THE JAMAICA Customs Agency was well represented at the 2025 staging of the SAGICOR 5K Run/Walk, with officers and team members turning out in strong numbers to support health, wellness, and community engagement. Participants proudly donned Jamaica Customs gear as they joined thousands of runners and walkers for the annual event, which promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. The agency’s participation reflects its ongoing dedication to employee wellness and teamwork, aligning with broader initiatives that encourage staff to prioritise their physical and mental well-being.The event also provided an opportunity for camaraderie outside the workplace, as staff members connected with colleagues and members of the wider public in a positive, energetic atmosphere. TEAM CUSTOMS AT SAGICOR 5K RUN/WALK JAMAICA CUSTOMS AND RED STRIPE BREW UP SMOOTH BUSINESS INTERACTION Jamaica Customs Agency’s CEO and Commissioner, Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, along with members of her executive team, engage employees of Red Stripe, led by Managing Director Daaf van Tilburg, during a Customs Business Interaction (CBI) visit. The engagement formed part of the Agency’s ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders, providing an opportunity for open dialogue, strengthened partnerships, and reaffirmed commitment to compliance and efficient trade facilitation.
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