Message from the President, Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica

We congratulate Jamaica Customs on its concerted effort to & create a culture of greatness” among its employees

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is pleased to join in recognising this year’s International Customs Day, celebrated under the theme: & Nurturing the Next Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-sharing & Professional Pride in Customs.

This year’s theme speaks to the incalculable value of our professionals within the customs industry. As we remain focused on implementing systems and strategies to bolster our customs agencies, we must acknowledge the importance of ensuring that our Customs Agency remains proactive in attracting and retaining the best talent.

To this end, we congratulate the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) on the concerted effort made through its Human Resource Management and Development Division to “create a culture of greatness by embracing a strong ethos of employee engagement and wellbeing.“In addition, we extend our commendations on the two-year roll-out of the JCA’S competencebased capacity development programmes over the next two years.

These actions align with this year’s global focus on ensuring that there is a coherent and holistic plan in place to enable knowledge creation and sharing, which can only augur well for the continued development of the customs agency. Seeing this strategic focus on developing our local customs professionals is heartening. The PSOJ continues to recognise the essential role of Jamaica Customs in national development, given its immense responsibility in regulating the movement of goods across borders and facilitating trade. Therefore, it is incumbent that there is continued transformation of systems to meet the organisation’s needs and global requirements.

We acknowledge and salute the efforts made by Jamaica Customs to keep apace with digital transformation trends while equipping its team with the required skills to utilise these mechanisms.

As the implementing agency for the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT), we note the remarkable progress that has been made in facilitating online applications, payments and processing through a single access point and your strident efforts to onboard additional Border Regulatory Agencies.

Of particular note is the ongoing pilot programme for the Agency’s Contactless Clearance Project, which aims to modernise the physical inspection process while making it easier for cargo clearance by importers and conduct inspections by Customs Officers in a “controlled, sterile and secure environment.” We recognise that Jamaica Customs is evolving into a modern, digital, data-based Government agency that delivers exceptional customer service while upholding high standards that protect our society and ensure compliance. The PSOJ remains a committed partner in this process. On this International Customs Day, we extend our heartiest congratulations to the Ceo/commissioner of Customs, Velma Ricketts Walker and her team on the work being done and wish you continued growth.

Metry Seaga, CD

President

Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)