Wint urges church to pray for Customs officers’ integrity under pressure
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Customs Officer Earl Rayson (right) presents an undisclosed financial donation to Reverend Michael Hammond for the ministries of the First Church of the Open Bible.
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Hyacinth Mighty, operations manager at Port Handlers Limited, led the Customs Officers’ Choir in a spirited rendition of Order My Steps in Your Word during Sunday’s celebration of Customs Week 2026.
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Howard Wint, senior director for Western and Montego Bay Operations of the Jamaica Customs Agency.
WESTERN BUREAU:
Howard Wint, the senior director of operations in the western section of the Jamaica Customs Agency, has called for the church to pray for customs officers, particularly for integrity, wisdom and strength, as they operate under mounting pressure to protect Jamaica’s borders and supply chains.
Speaking at the annual Jamaica Customs Week Church Service at the First Church of the Open Bible in Montego Bay, St James, last Sunday, Wint called for spiritual support for officers, who often face intense ethical and operational challenges.
“As we begin this week, I invite the church to pause and pray for Customs officers and all who serve in border protection,” said Wint. “Pray for wisdom in decision-making, discernment in complex situations, integrity under pressure, protection for those who work long and often unseen hours, and strength for the families who support loved ones in the service.”
Wint also underscored the critical role Customs officers play in national security, public safety, and economic stability, noting that their work, though often unseen, requires moral grounding and public support. He reminded the congregation that Customs Week is not about elevating institutions above God, but about giving thanks for His protection and guidance.
While noting that this year’s observance is being held under the theme ‘Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment’, Wint explained that vigilance means staying alert in body and spirit, while commitment requires fairness, consistency, and dignity in enforcing the law and facilitating legitimate trade.
Financial donation
Meanwhile, the Customs officers, who used the opportunity to made a financial donation to the ministry of the First Church of the Open Bible, were reminded by Reverend Michael Hammond to embrace servant leadership in their professional and personal lives.
“The title servant is a title of nobility,” said Hammond, in urging officers to pursue excellence in character and conduct rather than settle for mediocrity.
Drawing on the teachings of the Apostle Paul’s teachings, Hammond stressed that knowing the gospel is not enough, so believers must live it daily through service.
“I don’t just want to be an ordinary servant … I want to be more than an ordinary servant,” said Hammond, in encouraging the congregation to be marked by zeal, hope, patience, and faithfulness in their prayer.
albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com