THE EDITOR, Sir:

I REFER to your lead story in The Gleaner dated Friday, October 17. I wish to voice my support for Danville Walker in his attempts to impose order on the operations of Jamaica Customs. I fully understand the challenges involved in trying to instil and impose order into a situation where chaos and disorder are the hallmarks.

What Mr Walker has obviously understood is that wherever chaos reigns, you can be sure that there is someone benefiting from the disorder. 'In chaos lies opportunity' has never been truer. There is some 'skilful diver' who can dive beneath the muddy waters of confusion and take advantage of the reduced visibility. Mr Walker will get serious opposition from inside and outside. But if he holds firm to his agenda of streamlining the operation, adhering to the policies and procedures that govern his unit and communicating these intentions daily to all stakeholders, the cries will quiet over time and the skilful divers will have to exercise their prowess elsewhere.

Hold firm, Mr Walker, and press on knowing that imposing order is an imperative and not an option. When you hear the squeals, go straight to where the squeals are coming from, and you will find an immediate opportunity to correct a situation gone awry.

Review present duty regime

In addition, though, to imposing order in the operations of customs, there is another activity that can complement Mr Walker's efforts. The present duty regime is indicative of a predatory government. The numerous loopholes that exist based on product definitions, duty rates and special concessions make it mandatory to allocate huge amounts of resources to ensure compliance. Wouldn't it be easier to have a flatter tariff structure which makes it easier to police and enforce? It's time to review our present duty regime in the interest of getting greater compliance and making Jamaica and Jamaican entrepreneurs more competitive in this global village.

I am, etc.,

KELLY McINTOSH

kkmac218@gmail.com