I commend the JCA staff for the invaluable work they do in service to Jamaica

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has been at the forefront of protecting our borders and facilitating international trade.

From its genesis at the Inland Revenue Department in 1985, the JCA has grown and evolved to become a critical feature of our security and business infrastructure.

Designated an Executive Agency in 2013, the JCA has embarked on a process of improving its organizational structure through a long-term Modernization Plan aimed at delivering better services to stakeholders, by prioritizing accountability, professionalism, integrity, transparency, and customer service.

As the government continues to emphasise and increase investment in border protection, the essentiality of JCA, in the national security ecosystem and architecture of Jamaica, has become increasingly apparent.

The myriad of critical functions performed by the JCA including interdicting and seizing contraband such as narcotics and illegal weapons, have helped to make our country safer. This is an area in which the government has placed tremendous focus, acknowledging that national security is umbilically linked to the security, resilience and fortitude of our borders and ports of entry.

In November last year, the JCA, as a member of the National Security Council, intensified its fight against criminal networks that seek to import illegal guns through the nation’scontrolled borders by undertaking a new public education campaign, titled “Tell Us”. The campaign calls on Jamaicans, locally and in the Diaspora to report suspicious or criminal activities in Customs controlled areas.

Among the significant responsibilities of the JCA, are bolstering the revenue flow into our country through the collection of customs duties, processing passengers, weeding out customs fraud, shielding local industries and regulating trade.

I use this opportunity to commend the JCA’S staff and executive management for the invaluable work they do in service of Jamaica and for sustaining the synergy that has facilitated stability and efficiency amid unprecedented shocks.

The Government remains committed to customs reform to further strengthen the systems at the JCA. To this, end we are committed to enacting the necessary legislative changes fundamental to the continued transformation of the JCA.

The new and focused Ministry of

Legal and Constitutional Affairs is also tasked with fast-tracking the pace of implementation of several legislations which will dramatically improve the work, function, and overall objectives of the JCA.

In this regard, I welcome the theme of this year’s Customs Week, “Nurturing the next generation; Promoting a culture of knowledgesharing and Professional Pride in Customs.” I encourage the Jamaica Customs to continue streamlining its administrative systems to operate more fairly and efficiently in service to its customers – the people of Jamaica, its partners, and stakeholders.

As the JCA marks international Customs Week and day on January 26th, I send my very best wishes for success in your planned celebratory activities.

The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP

Prime Minister