Providing unequivocal service in the trade and logistics industry
The following is an excerpt of the speech delivered by Velma Ricketts Walker, commissioner of Customs, at the long service awards and banquet of Lannaman & Morris Shipping Ltd on June 3, 2017.
FORTY-FIVE YEARS in business is not only a significant, but a most spectacular achievement and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) congratulates Lannaman & Morris for reaching this significant milestone in service to its employees, customers, stakeholders, the shipping industry, and the people of Jamaica.
Congratulations to the 29 awardees who have served this company for more than 10 years and up to 33 years. Indeed, you have spent your lives contributing to building and shaping this entity. The award each of you is receiving is a culmination of your commitment and the sacrifices you have made in your various capacities. It is a testament of your dedication and loyalty. No doubt, Lannaman & Morris is seen as ‘an agent of choice’ in the shipping industry because it has some of the best people who continue to keep this mantra true.
As a nation builder, Lannaman
& Morris has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Jamaican economy. It is noteworthy that the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal, which is managed by Lannaman & Morris, is ranked in the top 12 cruise terminals in the hemisphere by Lloyds of London, and today is the most profitable and efficient cruise terminal in Jamaica.
This speaks volume of the high level of service and expertise you provide. International trade has long been established as an engine for sustained economic growth and development to which shipping and logistics are integral. I have no doubt that your sterling contribution to the sector has enabled Kingston to record improved container throughput performance year-on-year and to have been ranked-eighth in the Caribbean and Latin America 2015 Port Ranking.
BINDING LINK
As a Customs administration, we know that we are the binding link in the trade and logistics industry and we have had to improve our services in several areas. Logistics costs, including transport, packaging, storage, inventory, administration and management, are a key consideration for all players in the international logistics chain.
Against this background, the agency is committed to continuing the reform of Customs to facilitate trade and applying international best practices in the area of trade. These international best practices include:
1. World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention – addresses simplified customs processes and procedures.
2. WCO Safe Framework of Standards – addresses supply and logistics trade security, as well as visibility throughout the supply chain. The JCA’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme is WCO-compliant.
3. WCO Immediate Release Guidelines – addresses under what circumstances, and what type of cargo, Customs should give immediate release.
4. WCO Data Model – ensures standardisation of information required from stakeholders and ensuring such information is kept at minimum.
5. WCO Customs Business Partnership Guidelines – ensures that Customs has proper consultation with logistics stakeholders. The JCA established a Customs Business Partnership Forum in January 2017.
6. WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement – incorporates many aspects of the RKC with respect to customs processes and procedures.
Apart from the physical or infrastructural projects such as port dredging and the Caymanas project; logistics performance is being addressed with the automation of the Customs clearance processes, with ASYCUDA World implementation as well as the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS).
AN IMPROVEMENT
The automated customs system is improving the international trading environment for all import, export and transit Customs formalities, including payment and selectivity rule for inspection. The agency also seeks to bring the other government agencies on board through the use of an automated environment and the use of risk management.
Important to the JCA’s road map to transformation is creating a legislative framework which promotes future business opportunities for Jamaica in the shipping industry and international trade.
The new Customs Act will incorporate the concept of the special economic zones and
provide a modern legal framework to improve and facilitate logistics. In revising the legislation, the agency has undertaken several consultations with stakeholders, including the Shipping Association of Jamaica.
Further revision is being made to the Customs Act with a view to modernising it in line with current trends and international best practices. Some of the changes to the legislation are being made and include:
The introduction of modern terms in accordance with international best practice.
Express provision for electronic communication.
The modernisation of the Act using easily understood legislative language and structure.
The introduction of risk-based compliance and selectivity in customs processing or treatment. We also recognise that our role should be more facilitative, of course, within the confines of the laws that govern how we carry out our functions. Red tape and bureaucracy is indeed unfruitful. Therefore, we understand the importance of consultation, collaboration and partnership with a view to improving the services we provide to you.
Together, we must continuously seek to enhance what we do in order to ensure the effective flow of cargo and containers across borders, while effectively ensuring the protection of our country and people.
Once again, the JCA salutes Lannaman & Morris, for its commitment and contribution to Jamaica. Indeed, your performance and service over the years support the National Development Goal for Jamaica to be the place of choice ‘to live, work, raise families, and do business’.