Customs delivering on its commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) recently hosted its first lecture series and dialogue for university students and academia under the International Customs Day theme, ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity’.

The event consisted of three segments: the lecture series and panel discussion (centred on logistics, trade, border management and other customs-related areas in an ICT world through innovation, partnership and collaboration) as well as a booth exhibition.

Dr Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO and Commissioner of Customs, shared the various advancements the agency has made to ensure it is more efficient in its processes while maintaining the protection of Jamaica’s borders and economic growth through trade facilitation.

In a direct statement to students, linking the necessity of customs in their everyday lives, Ricketts Walker noted that, “Customs is at the heart of national security, economic growth and international trade… Every time you order something online, travel and enjoy imported snacks, the Jamaica Customs Agency plays a crucial role in making that possible.”

She further stated that the agency transcends beyond just laws and regulations, it is about innovation, collaboration and building a better future for all.

Dr Kevin Brown, president of the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, encouraged entities such as the Jamaica Customs Agency and, by extension, the Government of Jamaica, to employ persons who have been trained in various areas of study at universities across the island.

Dr Brown also used the opportunity to thank Commissioner Ricketts Walker and her team for the tangible evolution being seen with the JCA – from scanners (non-intrusive inspection) at the airports to digitalisation of several processes, such as the mobile application, JaCustoms Connect and the Electronic Immigration and Customs Declaration (C5) Form.

He concluded by tasking the audience and Jamaica at large to “be known for having a highly educated workforce”, alongside reggae music, sand and sea.

MODERNISATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Keynote speaker for the event, Professor Sean Thorpe, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at UTech, chair for the ICT Governance Committee and a member of the JCA’s advisory board, spoke about the importance of digitalisation to efficiently serve the over 10,000 customers who interact with the JCA on a daily basis. He acknowledged that the agency was the leading public sector entity in relation to efficiency and modernisation of the public service.

He further noted that the agency has been doing “a lot more with the data. You are automating a lot more to track and monitor risks, there is heavy integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the basic services including inspection, tracking the risks level.”

He commended the JCA for doing an excellent job thus far with efficiency through modernised customs procedures, data-driven operations, and technology and innovation; security through strengthened supply chain security and enhanced crisis preparedness; and prosperity through fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and promotion of economic development.

Professor Thorpe also highlighted the importance of the JCA’s continuous evolution to remain proactive in its drive to be efficient for continued prosperity and security.

The panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the Jamaica Customs Agency and explored how innovation, collaboration and technology can shape its future.

Panelists included: Kingsley Henry, Senior Director of Non-intrusive Inspection and Security Management; Janneice Baker, Director of Marine Wharves Operations (Kingston); Andre Williams, Chief Information Officer; Tina Brown, Director of International Trade; Professor Sean Thorpe; and Donovan Wignall, CEO of International Logistics and Parcels Post Courier Service.

The event also featured a booth exposition where attendees were provided with vital information regarding career opportunities, customs processes (export and import) and border management.