Improve system at Customs warehouse
published: Thursday | October 28, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE OTHER day I had the unfortunate task of clearing a package from a customs warehouse. The process was tedious and frustrating to say the least, as I was made to move from one desk to another: (a) paying a processing fee (b) going to security to show them the document (c) then told to purchase two application forms (at different desks) (d) filling the forms out (e) going to another desk to have the forms signed and cleared against a roster (f) going back to security to get the package (g) going to the customs officer who took each item out of the box (h) given a form to take to the supervisor to sign (i) Sent to the cashier to pay the duty (j) sent back to the customs officer for him to sign the voucher (k) sent to get a "gate pass" (l) sent through two security check points (before I could leave).

Having gone through this tiresome and bureaucratic process, I wondered whether it was just to give people something to do or as someone once said "because our hearts are laced with larceny". The bigger question in all of this is "if this process is as "thorough" as it appears to be, how do guns get into this country?"

P.S: I was clearing prescription drugs for someone's personal use and I did take the prescription to the Ministry of Health and receive the necessary authorisation prior to clearing the items.

I am, etc.,

ELIZABETH BUCHANAN-HIND

Elizabeth.buchanan@

uwimona.edu.jm