The grounds of the former building of The Secretariat was a scene of celebration last Friday morning, January 31st, as the Anguilla Customs Department observed World Customs Day 2020 (though the official observance was on January 26th under the theme: Customs Fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet).
The Customs Department used the occasion to, among other things, reflect on its performance over the past year, 2019 – 2020. Highlighting the celebration was the announcement by the Comptroller of Customs that over the period the department had garnered as much as EC$45 million for Government coffers.
The moderator of the event was Customs Officer, Marilyn Sharplis. After the staff sang the national song, Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs offered a prayer to thank God for the accomplishments of the year — despite the challenges — and to ask the Lord’s blessings upon the staff.
The World Custom Day Address was delivered by Officer Geenelver Reid. It focused on customs’ work towards contributing to a sustainable future. In part, the address stated: “This special day enables World Customs Organization members, and the WCO Secretariat and customs partners worldwide, to dedicate themselves to taking forward this particular theme, Customs Fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet throughout 2020. The customs community will be focusing on the contribution of customs towards a sustainable future where social, economic, health and environmental needs are at the heart of its actions.”
A wonderful selection in song, entitled “Better Days Are Coming”, was rendered by Customs Officer, Nathan Connor. In his address to the Customs Officers, the Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Travis Carty, reflected on the theme of the song, as he laid out the great achievements of the department, and praised his staff for its excellent performance over a year that was characterized by acute challenges.
He observed: “Indeed, as Nathan sang this morning, ‘better days are coming’ for the Anguilla Customs Department. We cannot only feel it in the wind, but here under this tent in the souls and spirits of every one of you, proud traditional customs officers. We can feel a certain confidence that better days are ahead. (Staff applause.)
“Despite our challenges in 2019, we have assured the Government of Anguilla a collection in excess of EC$45,000,000 over the last year. You did that! (Staff applause.) In spite of our challenges, and without the requisite resources that we did not had, we conducted at least 35 instances of interdictions at our ports of entry with regard to restricted goods. You did that!” (Staff applause.)
Mr. Carty went on: “So colleagues, in order for us to get to a new day, we must endure the journey of challenges and adversities that will take us there. I am sure that many days you are not motivated to come to work when you consider the insults that you will receive from members of the public. But I ask of you that on those days in which you are not feeling motivated to develop your resilient spirit of discipline, come to work, nonetheless, and expect that better day.”
Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, also addressed the staff of the Department: “I can appreciate the challenges that the Customs Department faces every day. To be a Customs Officer is a thankless job with its unique set of challenges. So I wish to commend all of you for the work you have done over the years — and that work which you still continue to do.”
Further, Mr. Bradley vowed that it was his goal to relieve the staff of existing challenges that affect them. He also sought to put to rest the unfounded notion and rumour that some of the officers will be transferred to the Agriculture Department and other areas of the public sector. To that statement the staff gave a resounding applause.
Many awards were issued to selected officers. These included: the Calan Vandyke Vanterpool Award which was issued to Officers Celestia Connor, Avilene Hodge-Carty and Merlene Rogers. A Years-of-Service Award was given to Officer Margaret Richardson, and two special awards were issued to Geenelver Reid and Karen Lake.
A stirring poem entitled “Dear Anguilla” was written and read by renowned poet, Mr. Alexis Ryan, who is a member of the customs staff. That poem is published elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian. The vote of thanks for the World Customs Day ceremony was then delivered by Officer Avilene Hodge-Carty.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
