NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 67 FOLLOWING HURRICANE Melissa, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) was widely commended by members of the Jamaican Diaspora for its efficient processing of relief items, consistent airport and seaport operations, and clear public communication during the recovery period. The praise was expressed at an online Diaspora briefing hosted by the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., on November 25, 2025, where stakeholders highlighted Customs’ smooth passenger facilitation at the Norman Manley and Sangster International Airports, as well as the agency’s timely website updates and simplified importation guide that assisted donors and travellers.Addressing the forum, CEO and Commissioner of Customs, Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, outlined expedited post-hurricane procedures, including duty-free and GCT-free concessions for approved relief items, reinforcing Jamaica Customs’ critical role in national resilience and recovery. INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 IN 2025, the Jamaica Customs Agency reaffirmed its commitment to national security and international cooperation during a National Security Council Seminar held on February 6 in Kingston, where Prime Minister Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, announced the expansion of Jamaica Customs’ collaboration with international partners to combat transnational crime. The seminar highlighted the agency’s move towards finalising a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with the United States, aimed at improving the exchange of critical customs-related information and strengthening border security. Contributing to the discussion, Customs Commissioner Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker underscored the importance of balancing Jamaica’s national sovereignty with the realities of global crime, noting that while Jamaica’s security strategies must reflect its unique context, effective responses to organised and transnational crime require cooperation beyond national borders. Her remarks reflected Jamaica Customs’ long-standing engagement with international partners and its ongoing efforts in 2025 to adapt, strengthen capacity, and play a strategic role in the global fight against evolving criminal networks. ON FRIDAY, November 14, the Jamaica Customs Agency hosted its ‘One Customs Humanitarian Campaign’ inviting staff to pledge from their pockets and their hearts, cash, inkind items and time to support and assist colleagues and their families in the Western Region, impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Within two hours, the Agency was able to raise over one million Jamaican dollars in cash and over 600 in-kind donations, ranging from food and beverages to toiletries, building materials and other essentials. By early January 2026, over 2.7 million dollars was raised. This telethon marked Phase One of the campaign, introducing the initiative and providing opportunities for staff to donate. This remained available as Phase Two began, focusing on the collection, packaging and distribution of the items. The agency thanks staff members who relentlessly serve our nation, especially during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa while overcoming their own adversities caused by the hurricane; “showing up and facilitating relief shipments and delivering hope even in the most challenging times.” Let us Rebuild, Restore and Rise as a nation. Jamaica Customs Choir entertaining team members as they gather their efforts to assist colleagues in the West. Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO and Commissioner of Customs... “This telethon is a movement of solidarity. It is a wave of compassion, a family standing shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart saying: We Will Rebuild. We Will Restore. We Will Rise Together.” Customs CEO and Commissioner Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker speaking during a panel discussion at the National Security Seminar held at the AC Hotel. John Mark Wiggan bringing hope through music at the #OneCustoms Humanitarian Campaign held on November 14, 2025. CUSTOMS TELETHON RAISES CLOSE TO $3 MILLION TO SUPPORT STAFF IN THE WESTERN REGION CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER STRESSES SOVEREIGNTY AND GLOBAL COOPERATION IN TACKLING TRANSNATIONAL CRIME JAMAICA CUSTOMS COMMENDED FOR POST-HURRICANE RESPONSE
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