The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CUSTOMS officers on Grand Bahama have planned a number of events in commemoration of the 27th International Customs Day observed on January 26.

Larry Bodie, superintendent of customs, said the Department of Customs will host the first Northern Bahamas Long Service Awards and World Customs Organisation (WCO) Awards ceremony at Le Chateau on the Green at 7pm on Tuesday, January 26, in Freeport.

He said customs officers from Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Bimini will attend the event, where some 24 customs officers stationed throughout the northern region will be honoured.

Among the list of honorees are Chief Customs Revenue Officers Terrance Delaney and Oswald Gardiner, who have served 40 years; and Chief Customs Revenue Officer I Rudolph Stubbs, and Chief Customs Revenue Officers Brenda Ferguson and Clarence Johnson, who have served 30 years.

There will be a church service at Mount of Blessing Church of God in Hepburn Town, Eight Mile Rock on January 24. In terms of community service, on January 28 a group of officers in conjunction with Community at Heart Church of God will assist with the feeding of the less fortunate residents of Coral Gardens community. The staff will donate canned goods, clothing, and shoes as well.

On February 3, a forum is planned for customs brokers, shipping agents and airfreight cargo agents at the C A Smith Complex from 4-6pm.

And on February 6, a Fun Day will be held at the Grand Bahama Airport Cargo Section from noon to 4pm for customs staff and family also children invited from the community.

According to Mr Bodie, the Bahamas Customs Department made history last year when it hosted the first WCO IT Conference in the Caribbean in Grand Bahama.

The World Customs Organisation has over 177 administration members of which the Bahamas has been a member since 1974, benefitting from technical expertise and advice.