BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, July 14th 2011 (Customs PRO) - Customs and Excise Department hosted a significant ceremony which marked the opening of expanded Terminal Operations Office and the commissioning of a marine asset on Wednesday July 13 at the Deepwater Port Compound, Bird Rock.
Comptroller of Customs Mr. Rodney Harris outlined the need for greater efficiencies in processing commercial cargo as the primary factor that directed the department to merge this new and improved function with Boarding facilities.
The opening of this office will create one single unit in the Customs Department that will examine and process containerized cargo and monitor and facilitate the private warehouse (bond) activities of local merchants. The new unit is to be headed by Mrs. Dianne Henderson-Phipps, Customs Officer (Grade IV).
The marine asset Guardian I, a sixteen foot Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable vessel, was also commissioned to enhance the border security capabilities of the Customs Department.
Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle praised the assistance of the Coast Guard Division of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and Ministry of Finance which made the acquisition and restoration of the vessel possible.
Mr. Belle outlined that the acquisition of the vessel will greatly enhance the capabilities of the department which is currently limited to “land assets”. This expanded capability will help to identify threats and interdict in cases on the waters, where needed.
Both Harris and Belle stressed that the acquisition of the marine asset would help the department to better work in conjunction with our border security partners rather than in competition.
The keynote address was delivered by Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas who praised the ongoing efforts of the Customs Department to rise to the challenge of meeting its roles of trade facilitation and border security.
PM Douglas outlined the need for continued innovation, vigilance and cooperation by government departments to meet national objectives.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional cutting of the ribbon to the Customs Terminal Operations Office and the splashing of sparkling wine on the vessel, both were done by Prime Minister Douglas.
Also on hand to witness the opening were Hon. Sam Condor, Minister of National Security; the high commands of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force; senior civil servants and management of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority; and private sector partners.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers.
