Blue Lanes initiative brings positive results for marina
WITH the ever-evolving role of Customs in the Pacific and the world, it is highly important for Customs officers to be aware of the developments.
The Oceania Customs Organisation head of secretariat, Richard Brennan said the role of Customs was always changing as it evolved with trade and technology with the criminal elements trying to disrupt the border through illegal activity.
The organisation celebrated the women in Customs at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday, highlighting their stories and achievements through a webinar series.
Mr Brennan said the women Customs officers were part of a program that OCO had started almost a year ago when they held a gender equality workshop and realised that they needed to get more Customs women around the Pacific, into the higher executive level ranks.
According to Mr Brennan Customs officers were also at the frontline and have been performing their duties as required, adding that the OCO continues to work with the Pacific Island countries and with their counterparts to ensure that processes are followed.
He said the vaccine being rolled out across the Pacific was a positive sign and added that Customs officers across the Pacific were prepared and geared up for when the borders opened.
OCO operations manager Irma Daphney said they had seen that gender equality directly impacted organisational efficiency, economic growth, national and international law, and human rights.
“In Customs, gender equality can provide improved safety for traders, employers, women and men.
“It is an important part of the modernisation of Customs administrations and contributes to ensuring transparency and integrity.
“It provides a good working environment which leads to improved organisational performance and a positive impact on traders and the economy,” she said.
PORT Denarau Marina (PDM) welcomed more than 90 foreign vessels in 2020 under the Blue Lanes initiative and looks forward to welcoming more yachts this season.
It said the Blue Lanes initiative had been a positive factor in their revenue stream.
Last year the company recorded a net profit of $2.6 million however it released its half year results for January 31, 2021, recording a loss of $212,662.
It said the COVID-19 global pandemic has had a significant impact on the company's operating results reducing operating revenue by 60 per cent.
In a market announcement PDM management said while this result was disappointing it did exceed budget for the six months and they expected the year end result to also exceed budget. Meanwhile the announcement noted that the management would continue to work hard and remain focused on cost control and looking at income opportunities where possible.
The report also highlighted that Port Denarau Marina would continue to work closely with tenants and has assisted with significant rental discounts.