NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 46 AS PART of its 2025 year in review, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) reflected on a major milestone, its people transformation agenda, the hosting of its inaugural Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) Conference under the theme, ‘Reimagining the Employee Experience.’ The conference, held on March 13, 2025 at the AC Hotel in Kingston, brought together HR professionals and people managers to explore innovative approaches to employee engagement, productivity, and well-being. The conference formed part of JCA’s ongoing transformation of its Human Resource Management and Development Division, which has recorded significant progress since 2019. This transformation, driven by strategic leadership and innovative programmes, has placed human capital at the centre of the Agency’s border security and trade facilitation mandate.The event also supported the 2025 World Customs Organisation theme by showcasing best practices, sharing success stories, and strengthening JCA’s reputation as a thought leader in public-sector HR. Senior Director, HRMD, Tamara Archer Reid, underscored the importance of the conference, describing it as a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. She emphasised that the employee experience is a shared responsibility, noting that leaders at all levels shape culture, engagement, and transformation. Archer Reid also highlighted JCA’s employee experience model, describing it as a technology-enabled, future-ready approach to managing human capital in the public sector. Participants left the conference equipped with practical insights on leadership, selfcare, and the evolving role of HR. Key takeaways included the strategic use of AI to streamline administrative tasks, building resilience in multi-generational workplaces, and balancing technology with a people-centred approach. Sessions on psychological resilience and the human element in HR resonated strongly with attendees. The conference featured a strong line-up of speakers, including Rochelle Cameron on leadership and employee experience, Yolande Hylton on AI integration through the HEART Framework, and Jeffrey Azan on psychological resilience across generations. An engaging panel discussion highlighted the JCA HRMD model and initiatives such as HR on the Move, the Month of Wellness, and the Peer Support Network. The event concluded with a powerful motivational address from Krystal Tomlinson, encouraging participants to live and lead with purpose. INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 JAMAICA CUSTOMS HRMD CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS PEOPLE-CENTRED TRANSFORMATION IN 2025 Senior Customs officials, along with representatives from Massy Distribution and Windsor Laboratories, pose for a group photo following an insightful tour of the manufacturing facility in Kingston as part of the Customs Business Interaction (CB) initiative. The visit provided an opportunity for open dialogue on trade facilitation, customs processes, and strengthening partnerships to enhance efficiency in the import and distribution sectors. Employees from the Western Region who participated in the agency’s HRMD Conference in 2025 The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) received strong commendation from Jane Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Massy Distribution Limited and Windsor Laboratories, for its service delivery and trade facilitation initiatives during a recent Customs Business Interaction (CBI) visit to Massy Distribution’s manufacturing facility in Kingston. During the engagement, discussions focused on improving efficiencies across trade and logistics, with Chen praising the agency’s accessibility and responsiveness. “We have an excellent relationship with Customs. If there is ever an issue, the key persons at Customs are just a phone call away. Their guidance in matters of trade has been invaluable,” she said. Chen also expressed appreciation for the Customs Business Interaction initiative, noting its importance in promoting open and transparent dialogue between Customs and the business community. She further highlighted the agency’s ongoing digital transformation, which she said has encouraged businesses to remain agile and aligned with the evolving trade and logistics environment. CUSTOMS GETS ‘THUMBS UP’ FROM MASSY DISTRIBUTION CEO, JANE CHEN DURING CBI VISIT
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