THE SHIPPING Association of Jamaica joined the Customs Department and more than 20 other agencies last Saturday (February 1), at the Customs Information Fair, showcasing information about the Port of Kingston and the work of the Association and its members.
Customs hosted the fair as part of its observance of International Customs Day, with the goal of increasing awareness about the role of Customs as well as allied industries and agencies.
Scores of persons, including children, attended the fair, which was held at the Newport East Headquarters of Customs in Kingston and learned about the various agencies, which participated. Exhibitors included the Custom Brokers Association of Jamaica, Port Security Corps., Fiscal Services, Air Jamaica and the Jamaica Exporters Association. International Customs Day was observed on January 26. The Customs Department, however embarked on a week of activities, climaxing with the Fair as part of the local observance.
"It was a success. I think we have certainly met our objectives," stated Commissioner of Customs, Alison Moore as she commented on the fair recently. She noted that the other activities were also well-supported.
In opening the fair, former President of the JEA, Beverly Lopez, who represented the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) emphasised the significant role of Customs. She commended the Department for its thrust to modernise its operations for efficiency in the face of global developments and emergence of new international standards. "The Customs Department's overall efficiency is now ensuring speedier and more accurate service to the business community...", she observed.
