NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 65 and increasing visibility, these mobile services represent a meaningful improvement in how Customs interacts with citizens – demonstrating that commitment to service is as important as vigilance at the borders. INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PUBLIC TRUST Commitment, as highlighted in the WCO theme, is not only about what Customs achieves, but how it operates. In 2025, the JCA reinforced integrity and accountability through the strategic deployment of additional bodyworn cameras with modern video surveillance and analytics across its operational spaces. These systems support oversight, enhance the safety of our Officers, safeguard revenue, and provide objective records that strengthen investigations and controls. Importantly, they operate quietly in the background – protecting both the organisation and the public it serves, without disrupting legitimate activity. TECHNOLOGY AS AN ENABLER OF CORE CUSTOMS OPERATIONS Behind every Customs transaction lies a complex set of processes designed to balance trade facilitation with greater compliance, accountability, transparency, and compliance. In 2025, the JCA continued to modernise these core operations by embedding technology as an enabler rather than a barrier. Internally, systems that once relied heavily on manual intervention have been streamlined, resulting in measurable reductions in processing times and improvements in transparency. Today, we are achieving an average of 90% of all commercial declarations obtaining documentary approval for clearance in 20 hours or less. Externally, traders and members of the public benefit from clearer workflows, electronic submissions, and real-time visibility into the status of their transactions. This transformation supports the Agency’s strategic intent: to facilitate trade while protecting society. By improving efficiency and transparency, technology reduces opportunities for error and abuse, strengthens compliance, and builds trust between Customs and its stakeholders. PARTNERSHIPS THAT STRENGTHEN PROTECTION Ongoing work under the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) framework continues to lay the foundation for greater integration with regulatory agencies and external data sources. These efforts aim to simplify application processes, enable electronic approvals, and improve consistency of information across the trade ecosystem – benefiting both enforcement and facilitation At the same time, the Agency remains deeply committed to protecting personal and commercial information. As a registered data controller, the JCA operates in alignment with Jamaica’s Data Protection Act, 2020 and the confidentiality provisions of the Customs Act, 2019. Robust governance ensures that while data is used intelligently to enhance vigilance, privacy and lawful processing remain paramount. This balance between security and rights is central to maintaining public confidence in a modern Customs administration. LOOKING AHEAD: SMARTER SERVICES, STRONGER BORDERS As the JCA reflects on its achievements in 2025, it is equally focused on what lies ahead. Building on a successful proof of concept, the Agency is preparing to introduce an AI-powered Customs Service Agent before the end of the current financial year. This public-facing virtual assistant will provide accurate, consistent information on Customs procedures, passenger and cargo clearance, and general requirements – improving access to information while allowing officers to focus on higher-value operational and enforcement activities. Carefully governed and limited to publicly available information, the service represents another step in using technology responsibly to serve the public. A DIGITAL COMMITMENT TO PROTECT SOCIETY The story of the Jamaica Customs Agency in 2025 is one of purposeful transformation. By embracing technology as an enabler of vigilance and a vehicle for commitment, the Agency has strengthened border security, improved service delivery, and reinforced public trust. As Customs continues to evolve, one principle remains constant: protecting society requires innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. Through digital transformation, the JCA is building a safer, more transparent, and more resilient Jamaica – today and for the future. Submission By the Information Services Division, JCA 2025 DIGITAL MILESTONES AT A GLANCE • DATA-DRIVEN VIGILANCE Enhanced analytics and intelligence to identify risks earlier and protect borders proactively. • INTEGRATED TRADE SYSTEMS Improved data exchange through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade and the Port Community System for greater consistency and efficiency. • MOBILE CUSTOMS SERVICES Personal shipment declarations, electronic payments, and full track-and-trace via the Customs Mobile App. • DIGITAL PASSENGER PROCESSING Modernised C5 declarations through the EnterJamaica platform and mobile application. • STRONG GOVERNANCE & PRIVACY Compliance with the Data Protection Act and Customs Act to safeguard personal and commercial data. • LOOKING AHEAD AI-powered Customs Service Agent coming on stream to improve public access to information. INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026
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