Jamaica Customs News In Review

Jamaica Customs gets high praises from Zimbabwe delegation

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) received high praises from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for its automation processes and implementation of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT).

The Zimbabwe delegation, which was on a benchmarking mission to JCA, made the commendation during a high-level closing meeting on at the Agency’s headquarters in Kingston during their visit in November 2022.

Shami Mayo, director and national chairperson at ZIMRA, said he was impressed by the high level of digitalization and automation implemented by [Jamaica] Customs. “I am thoroughly impressed with what I have seen at Jamaica Customs—the focus on automation is to be emulated by others in the region and beyond,” Mayo, a veteran IT professional, disclosed. “I wish I could bring all of Zimbabwe to come and learn from JCA so they can see first-hand the prioritization of digitalization and automation and, too, the way the agency has resourced the teams and the clarity of direction— there is a clear framework to guide their processes— it is outstanding, and they [Customs] must continue.”

Jamaica Customs’ new vessel to boost maritime patrol capabilities

The Jamaica Customs Agency’s (JCA) efforts to combat illicit trade in the maritime space received a significant boost through the acquisition of a state-of-the-art vessel.

The boat, named “Enforcer I,” was added to the fleet of maritime assets owned by the JCA and assisted the border agency to interdict unlawful people and cargo approaching Jamaica’s border in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard and the Marine Police.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony that was held in September 2022, in Port Royal, Velma Ricketts Walker, Ceo/commissioner of Customs, hailed the acquisition of the new vessel as an indication of the Agency’s thrust to modernise its border protection capabilities in the maritime environment.

Jamaica Customs is serious about protecting our borders on all fronts—and so, this new patrol boat could not have been more timely, so that our Sufferance Wharves team can execute their maritime security duties more effectively, " the customs commissioner explained.

Jamaica to benefit from island-wide Time Release Study conducted by Jamaica Customs

In July 2022, Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), established a national working group to participate in an island-wide Time Release Study (TRS) to measure the average time taken for the clearance process of goods in Jamaica.

The working group, which includes the Port Authority of Jamaica, Airport Authority, Kingston Wharves, Kingston Freeport Terminal, and other organisations involved in the trade facilitation process, were tasked with planning, executing, and monitoring the study.

Marlon Lowe, Deputy Commissioner (Operations), commenting on the initiative, said, “The TRS will help measure the effectiveness and efficiency of border procedures relating to imports, exports, and transit movement of goods.” Lowe added that, “The initiative is

consistent with Jamaica’s accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs procedures – Revised Kyoto Convention (KRC).

Jamaica Customs Agency’s Ceo/commissioner, Velma Ricketts Walker (centre) is supported during the ribboncutting ceremony for JCAS newly acquired patrol boat by (L-R) foreground: Nashwell Thomas, Manager, Sufferance Wharves (JCA); Janice Walker, Senior Director, Kingston Operations (JCA); Selina Clarke-graham, Deputy Commissioner, Operations (JCA); Marlon Lowe, Deputy Commissioner, Border Protection (JCA); and Lieutenant Commander, Leonard Wynter (JDF). In the background are Robert Walker, Superintendent, Marine Police Division (JCF) and Lieutenant Junior Grade Sydia Burke (JDF).

A Customs Officer (centre) processes a barrel shipment for a customer at a warehouse in Kingston, meanwhile the warehouse handler looks on. The new Time Release Study (TSR) is expected to improve the actual time taken to conduct transhipment activities such as the clearing of barrels/goods in Jamaica.

Shami Mayo, Director, IT Department at Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and National Chairperson, addressing a high-level opening meeting held at JCA head office in Kingston on Nov. 7, 2022.