Congratulations to the Jamaica Customs Agency

LET ME congratulate the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) on the week of activities being held under the theme ‘A secure business environment for economic development’ to celebrate International Customs Day. It is important that these activities highlight the critical role of the agency in the Jamaican economy so that all Jamaicans can better appreciate the work done by the staff of the agency.

The Jamaica Customs Agency continues to play a central role in border control, trade, revenue collection, and protection, which are all critical to the country’s economic development. Its collaboration with the national security agencies for the protection of the borders from the entry of contraband goods including arms and ammunition, along with the service it provides for the importation and clearance of goods by the private sector, underpins the present robust revenue collection that the country is experiencing.

No country can advance its development agenda and improve the quality of life of its people without a highly efficient and effective customs agency.

This year’s theme is most apt as the JCA continues to make a major contribution to the social, business and economic life of Jamaica. It is in the national interest that we devote the resources to ensure the technological development of the agency so that it can fulfil its mandate.

Finally, let me congratulate the management and staff of the agency for their continued dedication and invite the public to share in the activities planned for the week.

For all these reasons, I wish for you a successful week of activities and a rewarding International Customs Day.