Jamaica Customs News In Review
JCA assesses Jamaica’s nuclear interdiction capabilities
The Jamaica Customs Agency, in an effort to assess Jamaica’s nuclear interdiction capabilities, partnered with the Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), a programme out of the US Department of Emergency, hosted a series of scenario-based tabletop exercises from June 28-30, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Kingston.
The tabletop exercises engaged the Agency’s affiliate partners, including Kingston Freeport Terminal (KFTL), Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), and Office Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPEM).
The exercises were geared toward identifying the appropriate players and processes required to support radiological-nuclear detection, response, and investigation in the maritime environment, as well as test the Agency’s domestic and international support capabilities and reach, respectively.
Edward Seaga Primary recognises Jamaica Customs Agency for Tablet donation
The Jamaica Customs Agency was recognised by the Edward Seaga Primary School (formerly Denham Town Primary) at the institution’s graduation ceremony held on June 27, 2022 for the Agency’s Tablet Drive Initiative undertaken in September 2021, which saw several students receiving digital devices in order to participate in online classes.
Earl Stewart, Director, Planning and Research and Vice Chairman of the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, represented the JCA at the ceremony.
The initiative, at the time, saw employees of the JCA pooling their personal funds to purchase 60 tablets valued at $1.2 million for Edward Seaga Primary in Kingston and Farm Primary and Infant in Montego Bay to address the digital divide that was exacerbated by the global health crisis.
Jamaica Customs signs MOU with FID to continue fight against illicit financial activities
The Jamaica Customs Agency and the Financial Investigations Division (FID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the fight against illicit financial activities in Jamaica.
The signing took place at the FID headquarters in Kingston with Customs Ceo/commissioner, Velma Ricketts Walker, and FID’S Chief Technical Director, Selvin Hay.
Under the MOU, Jamaica Customs and e FID will enhance their abilities to detect, investigate, and prosecute breaches of any applicable law, including, but not limited to money laundering, customs offences, and financial crimes.
Mrs. Ricketts Walker said, "the JCA welcomes more partnerships such as these as we uphold our mission to include Border Protection and remain relentless in making certain criminal transnational networks are stifled." She added that, “It is important that individuals become compliant, and our society becomes the place to live, work, raise families, and do business for years to come.”