This week we join in the celebrations worldwide of World Customs Week and the yearlong observance of World Customs Organization (WTO) dedicated to promoting the digitalization of Customs processes under the slogan, “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement.”

In Jamaica, our Customs Agency has long embraced that slogan and has already begun to digitize its processes with the launch of the Customs Management System in 2014; the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

The implementation of ASYCUDA has had significant benefits to our citizens and importantly to our business partners around the world. Transactions such as customs declarations, shipping manifests, as well as accounting procedures, transit and suspense procedures can now be conducted electronically.

This automation of the critical components of the business processes contributes to higher levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and coordination of Customs activities.

These efficiencies have also had significant benefits to the time it takes to complete transactions through JCA and thereby represents a tangible benefit that can be experienced by the citizens and our business partners worldwide.

ASYCUDA is one of the reform initiatives undertaken by the Government of Jamaica, under the Economic Reform Programme. These initiatives have been developed by our very own Jamaican technocrats who have sought to improve the way we do business within the public sector.

An efficient Customs organization is an important contributor to the coffers of the government’s revenue. It is also important to safeguarding our nation as one of vanguards against human trafficking and smuggling. Our customs officers are also part of the enforcement team that protects our boarders and monitors the upholding of entry requirements to our island state.

The Jamaica Customs Agency’s team, lead by CEO/Commissioner Major Richard Reese has been breaking ground since 2012. This Agency has undertaken an organisational transformation resulting in it evolving into an Executive Agency. The JCA continues to grow and revolutionize it service delivery; and through carefully crafted policies has been able to reflect positive returns on its balance sheet.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the members of the Jamaica Customs Agency on its achievements to date and commend Commissioner Reese for his stewardship in galvanizing the support of his team as they boldly chart a new course that can be used as a template for other public sector organisations in Jamaica and in the Caribbean.

Throughout this week, we will be sharing the success stories of the Jamaica Customs Agency and its contribution to the Economic Reform Programme towards achieving Jamaica’s National Vision statement: “Jamaica the place of choice, to live, work, raise families and do business.”