BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NINETEEN members of the Federation’s Customs and Excise Department are currently attending the 6th Annual Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council Examinations (CCLEC) Junior Officers Basic Course.
The eight-week course officially commenced today (Jan. 26) with an opening ceremony at the Frigate Bay Resort, which coincides with the 56th Anniversary of International Customs Day.
The course is geared to train the junior customs officers in areas pertinent to the efficient execution of their duties and responsibilities as revenue collectors, trade facilitators and border security agents.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs with responsibility for Training, Delroy Joseph, outlined that the course would cover essential topics such as Valuation, Classification, Invoicing and Trade Facilitation, and would also include customer service-oriented matters ranging from situation diffusion and time management to conflict resolution and professionalism.
He also revealed that representatives from the Canada Border Services Agency would instruct participants on the proper use of the Itemiser, a device used to detect the presence of drug and explosive residues on objects and people.
Financial Secretary Janet Harris emphasised that the role of the local Customs and Excise Department was at the heart of the government’s drive to enhance the quality of life of citizens. She expressed confidence at the capability of the department’s officers to confront the challenges associated with their profession and challenged them to manifest their training in improved performances.
Minister of Trade Dr. Timothy Harris stressed the pivotal role played by the department in the socio-economic development of the country and commended its workers for their consistent and vigilant execution of their duties.
He also noted the need for the Customs and Excise Department to interface with other stakeholders including the Police Force, Coast Guard, Ministries of Trade and Finance and, most importantly, the public.
“I implore the department to be particularly vigilant and cognisant of its customer service delivery, for it is more on the elements of its customer service that it will be judged than on its technical abilities and skills.
“You must always bear in mind that while a customer cannot easily determine if the amount of duty charged on his or her goods is correct, that customer, and other onlookers, can readily and at most times accurately assess the quality of the service that you rendered in dealing with the customer,” said Harris, who officially declared the course open.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate denoting their successful achievement and will be able to advance to the rank of Trained Officer. The course will conclude on March 20.
