BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TWENTY Junior Officers of the Customs and Excise Department are expected to graduate this evening (Mar. 19) following a seven-week Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) Junior Officers Basic Training Course.
The course ran from February 1 and saw 17 Kittitian and three Nevisian Customs Officers engaged in a series of comprehensive subject areas, preparing them to efficiently function in the department. Presentations in Group Dynamics, Teamwork, Problem Solving and Communication prepared the 20 officers for an in-depth, hands-on approach to the work of the Department. Topics included Conversational Spanish, Legislation, Classification of Goods, Valuation of Goods, Money Laundering, Vessel Search, Stress Management and Diplomatic and Consular Rights and Privileges.
Assistant Comptroller and coordinator of the course Theodore Browne told SKNVibes that he is upbeat about the training course, which is his first since he assumed that position in January of this year. He noted his satisfaction with the high level of presentations and the active engagement of the participants in the course work.
“The course was of a very high standard. The facilitators for the various topics were persons who are experienced in the areas; they expounded very well and were able to capture the interests of the participants. The participants were very involved and they even gave good reviews on the level of presentations,” Browne informed in a recent interview with this media house.
Browne emphasised the importance of such training, as it not only provides the participants with new knowledge but also gives them the opportunity to apply that knowledge in the workplace. Upward mobility and placement in various departments will be actualised should the participants pass final examination being taken today.
“More training opportunities, whether regional or international, will be available to them and they will also be required to pass on their knowledge to the new recruits entering the departments.
“With this training, it really should improve the customer service to the department in particular and to the country on a whole,” Browne added.
This year marks the seventh anniversary for the CCLEC training course and graduation, and the Appreciation Awards Ceremony will take place at Customs Headquarters, Bird Rock, this evening at 5:30.
