NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 31 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE THE PRIVATE Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) proudly commemorates International Customs Day 2025, celebrating this year’s theme: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity.” In an era where global trade dynamics are rapidly evolving, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing Jamaica’s trade facilitation agenda. The JCA continues to demonstrate an admirable commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business growth and efficiency through its digital transformation journey. The implementation of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) represents significant progress in streamlining trade facilitation, successfully consolidating online applications, payments, and processing through a single access point. The innovative Contactless Clearance Project being implemented showcases the Agency’s forward-thinking approach to modernising physical inspection processes. This promising initiative aims to enable more efficient cargo clearance while maintaining necessary security protocols in a controlled and sterile environment. The JCA’s commitment to business partnership is exemplified through its innovative Customs Business Interaction (CBI) programme. These faceto-face interactions continue to transform the business community’s relationship with the Agency – allowing business leaders to speak directly with Customs decision-makers about their challenges and receive immediate guidance on improving their processes. We salute this hands-on approach from the agency’s leadership as their success gleams through the positive feedback from companies such as Walkerswood Jerk Facility, Rainforest Caribbean and Grace Food Processors, that have shared in the engagement. We are confident that with sustained effort on initiatives of this nature, the JCA will foster a more collaborative and efficient customs environment, resulting in greater confidence to trade through our borders. As Jamaica, through significant investments in port infrastructure, continues to fortify our targeted positioning as the Premier Logistics Hub of the Americas, we must continue enhancing our customs operations to fully realise the potential of this ambitious but achievable goal. While processing times for cargo clearance have improved, several key operational areas require attention. The implementation of real-time tracking capabilities and enhanced procedures for small and medium-sized enterprises would significantly boost efficiency. Additionally, seamless integration between government systems, alongside standardised procedures across all ports of entry, would create a more predictable operating environment. Refined risk management systems would also effectively balance security with efficiency. The PSOJ remains an enthusiastic partner to the JCA, under the capable leadership of CEO & Commissioner of Customs, Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker. We will continue to work together toward achieving greater efficiency gains for Jamaica’s economic growth with a focus on delivering the reduction of cost and processing times, as well as, enhancing predictability in Customs operations. That is, vital elements that will strengthen Jamaica’s position as an increasingly competitive player in international trade. METRY SEAGA President Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica JAMAICA CUSTOMS HAS DEMONSTRATED EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP
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