NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 13 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE THE WORLD Customs Organisation (WCO) has chosen ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity’as its theme and key areas for focus for the customs agencies across the globe for 2025. The simplification of customs clearance and reduction in its cost and time is at the core of trade facilitation. Increased efficiency therefore must be at the foundation of any successful modern Customs agency and the ongoing modernisation of processes to increase efficiency and customer experience, has become a hallmark of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). The implementation of digital services and channels for service delivery such as the online duty estimator, the JCA Mobile App, 24/7 access to forms and a range of e-Services for example, ensure that JCA services and information is conveniently and reliably accessible to its customers and stakeholders. Another example is the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) platform, providing a single electronic portal for the submission of applications and payment of fees for licenses, permits and certificates in connection with import, export and other requirements. This has resulted in faster processing times, transparency through user dashboards and decreased costs where stakeholders apply to different agencies, often supplying the same or similar information. The JCA continues its engagement with key partners to expand the number of border regulation and government agencies whose requirements may be processed through JSWIFT. We look forward to the new Customs Act to support the Agency’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives and encourage voluntary compliance. Among JCA’s mandates is the protection of Jamaica’s borders against illicit imports. There has been upskilling of staff in order to improve the Agency’s ability to monitor and secure our island’s borders, by preventing and detecting illicit products and activities and combating illicit financial activities. The agency’s Border Protection Division also maintains strong collaborative links with other law enforcement partners locally, regionally and internationally in carrying out this mandate and improve our ability to intercept and investigate transnational criminal activities. The JCA team must remain vigilant in enforcing our laws, investing in technology, training and data analytics to ensure that our country is positioned to face these emerging threats. The JCA’s drive to modernisation and improved efficiency of its physical inspection process led to the implementation of the Contactless Clearance Process. This process, which is currently limited to Non-Commercial Cargo, makes it easier for importers to clear cargo and for Customs Officers to conduct inspections in a controlled, sterile and secure environment. The Contactless Clearance Process reduces congestion and wait time, as well as improves cargo flow through the warehouses. Stakeholder engagements have been important elements of the JCA’s success. Through its Customs Business Interaction the JCA meets with stakeholders, at their business locations providing an opportunity to engage directly with the JCA Executive Team first hand on ‘their own grounds’. On this occasion of International Customs Day and Customs Week, I wish to acknowledge the hard work of the members of the Jamaica Customs Agency, led by CEO & Commissioner Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, in advancing the efficiency and security of trade, which is necessary for economic growth and national development. The JCA must continue to maintain the commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity, ensuring that these standards are translated consistently and tangibly into every agency practice for the advancement of Jamaica, land we love. GINA PHILLIPPS BLACK Chairman, Advisory Board Jamaica Customs Agency THE JCA TEAM MUST REMAIN VIGILANT AS WE step confidently into 2025, I am pleased to join the global customs community in celebrating International Customs Day, a day dedicated to recognising the essential role customs administrations play in advancing trade facilitation, ensuring border security, and fostering sustainable economic growth. This year, under the theme: ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity’, we are called to reflect on our commitments as customs administrations and transform them into tangible actions that drive innovation, safeguard our borders, and support Jamaica’s development goals. The theme, launched by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), underscores the importance of moving beyond compliance to active implementation and continuous improvement. At the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), this call to action is not merely aspirational it is deeply embedded in the strategic and operational initiatives that guide our work. This year’s theme resonates deeply with our mission, vision, and strategic objectives. It provides us with an opportunity to highlight our steadfast commitment to enhancing efficiency, fortifying security, and driving national prosperity. EFFICIENCY: MODERNISING TO FACILITATE TRADE Efficiency is at the heart of our mission to enable seamless trade and passenger processing, while reducing delays and ensuring compliance. Through digital transformation, the JCA has made significant strides in modernising customs procedures. Efficiency is the cornerstone of a thriving trade environment. At the JCA, we have prioritised modernisation, leveraging technology to simplify processes and reduce barriers to trade. Our implementation of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) exemplifies this commitment, enabling seamless digital interaction across border regulatory agencies. With over 10,000 registered users and 86 digitalised services, JSWIFT has transformed the trade ecosystem, saving time and reducing costs for traders. Central to efficiency is our human resources and the employees of Jamaica Customs are the backbone that drives this efficiency. The achievements of the agency permeate from their continued dedication to the agency’s motto ‘Country Above Self.’ I therefore take this opportunity to applaud the staff for their unwavering commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, mandates and core values. In 2024, we surpassed revenue collection targets by embracing data-driven approaches. Through leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence JAMAICA CUSTOMS IS NOT JUST A REGULATOR – IT IS A KEY DRIVER OF NATIONAL PROSPERITY PLEASE SEE PROSPERITY, 14
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=