‘Unsung heroes’
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CUSTOMS officers in Fiji and abroad were at the forefront of operations in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and were instrumental in keeping trade open in a time of great uncertainty.
This was one of the key messages delivered by stakeholders in Suva as they gathered to mark International Customs Day at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) head office yesterday.
Speaking at the celebration, Australian High Commission Chargé d’affaires John Williams said the COVID-19 pandemic was a period of prolonged, intensive and extreme difficulties for Customs officers at the border.
“Yet, Customs officers everywhere stepped up, carrying out their duties in facilitating passenger travel, including emergency travel of humanitarian and other essential personnel to support COVID-affected countries, and in the clearance of general cargo and emergency goods,” he said.
“I know the pandemic also reinforced the vital importance of a global Customs network and a co-ordinated approach among partner border agencies nationally and internationally.”
FRCS chief executive Mark Dixon also touched upon the crucial role played by Customs officers, and the importance of people in an organisation.
“I think our Customs officers within the Revenue and Customs Service have, for quite a long time, been the unsung heroes,” he said.
“As mentioned, the fantastic work they do in the never ending facilitation of trade which didn’t end in COVID. People don’t realise the enormous role they play in border security but also stopping illegal crime, drugs and human trafficking.”
About 20 Customs officers and agents were also awarded with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit.