The Tribune

The deputy prime minister has praised the Customs Department for “weathering many storms” such as the criticism it faced over its electronic Click2Clear goods clearance system.

K Peter Turnquest, speaking at its awards ceremony, also reminded the Department it serves as the commercial “gateway to the nation” in addition to its revenue collection responsibilities.

“Often times we get so caught up in the fact that Customs is a revenue collection agency that we lose sight of the other functions it serves,” Mr Turnquest said. “The vision for the World Customs Organisation (WCO) encapsulates it perfectly. ‘Borders divide. Customs Connects’.

“Our Customs Department is uniquely positioned at the gateway to our nation, connecting The Bahamas to the world and the world to The Bahamas.” He added that Customs had been a leader among government agencies when it came to modernising through the use of technology.

“Customs is to be commended for investing in its people, and in its institutional systems and processes, in ways that are delivering technological advancement, greater efficiency, more security and transparency and higher standards of performance all around,” Mr Turnquest said.

“From Click2Clear, The Bahamas Electronic Single Window, to the Customs Management optimisation project, just to name a few, Customs has stayed focused and steadfast even as it has weathered many storms and faced much criticism.”

Mr Turnquest spoke as he and Cornelius A. Smith, the governor general, joined the Customs and Excise Department in its 31st International Customs Day celebration and Long Service Award Ceremony at Government House. This year, three persons were honoured for 20 years of service, another three for 30 years, and 12 for 40 years of service.

There were also 12 persons honoured with the Certificate of Merit, which is issued by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) secretary-general upon the recommendation of the Customs Comptroller to staff who demonstrate their commitment to the WCO’s theme.

Mr Turnquest said: “International Customs Day for 2020 is being celebrated worldwide under the theme, Customs fostering sustainability for people, prosperity and the planet. This theme recognises the many ways Customs administrations contribute to the social, economic, health and environmental needs of nations. It recognises the contribution of Customs towards our sustainable futures.”