NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 15 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE THE PORT Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is honoured to join the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in celebrating International Customs Day 2025, under the theme: ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity’. As entities working to create a Jamaica for future generations, we acknowledge that our long-standing partnership plays a pivotal role in advancing Jamaica’s maritime sector. Together, we have made significant strides in modernising systems to improve operational efficiency and border security. The investments in technology made by the PAJ and the well-established partnership with the JCA have positively impacted efficiency across Jamaica’s cruise and cargo ports. The JCA played an integral role in welcoming approximately 1.2 million cruise passengers across Jamaica’s five cruise ports in 2024. The PAJ acquired and installed four modern baggage scanners that enabled greater efficiency in cruise passenger processing. The smooth movement of visitors annually reflects the synergy between both entities in supporting economic growth while delivering a high standard of service. The consistent provision of high quality and secure services are necessary for the expansion of Jamaica’s cruise industry. Additionally, the installation of eight advanced pallet scanners by PAJ’s subsidiary company, Ports Management and Security Limited (PMSL), has bolstered cargo inspection capabilities by improving security and processing times. These investments highlight our shared commitment to leveraging technology to maintain Jamaica’s competitive edge as a logistics hub. Consequently, at the forefront of our collaborations is the handover of PMSL scanning operations at the ports to JCA. Another standout example of our partnership is the successful integration of the Port Community System (PCS) with JCA’s Asycuda World, which has streamlined port operations, improved cargo management and reduced delays. For the upcoming year, PCS is targeting further changes to modernise port processes to include: the development and implementation of IMO FAL forms, removal of the physical Bill of Lading and development of the Warehouse Module, PCS Truck Appointment System/KFTL Navis Integration and the Air Export Module. Finally, we extol JCA’s extraordinary commitment to safeguarding Jamaica’s borders, facilitating trade and delivering world-class services. Together, we look forward to building on our shared achievements and advancing Jamaica’s position in the global maritime industry. PROF THE HON GORDON SHIRLEY, OJ President & Chief Executive Officer Port Authority of Jamaica OUR PARTNERSHIP PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN ADVANCING JAMAICA’S MARITIME SECTOR ON BEHALF of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), I extend sincere congratulations to the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) during this year’s International Customs Day celebrations. The theme, ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity’, highlights the significant role the JCA plays in facilitating trade, safeguarding our borders, and driving economic growth. The SAJ recognises the JCA’s efforts to improve efficiency and streamline processes. Initiatives such as the Jamaica Trade Information Portal and Jamaica Single Window for Trade have contributed to easing some aspects of doing business, reducing delays and associated costs for importers and exporters. While these advancements reflect a commitment to modernisation, there remains scope for further cooperation to address persistent challenges that impact the broader trade community. The SAJ and the JCA must continue to work together to tackle these challenges, with a focus on encouraging open communication, addressing operational bottlenecks, and leveraging technology to improve decision-making. As Jamaica advances its vision of becoming a premier logistics hub regionally and internationally, the partnership between the SAJ and JCA will be central to transforming this ambition into reality. It is important that we align our strategic objectives to focus on key practical initiatives such as enhanced digitisation of customs processes, integrated risk management systems, and specialised training programmes for trade and logistics professionals. These efforts will strengthen processes and bolster Jamaica’s global competitiveness. Together, we can work towards creating a logistics ecosystem that attracts investment, facilitates trade, and positions Jamaica as a cornerstone of the global supply chain. The SAJ values its long-standing partnership with the JCA, which has supported efforts to foster a more efficient trade environment. Continuous engagement remains essential, and we believe that ongoing dialogue and joint initiatives are crucial to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the evolving global trade landscape. CORAH ANN ROBERTSONSYLVESTER President Shipping Association of Jamaica THE SAJ RECOGNISES THE JCA’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY
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