With many, if not all, of its cadre of young, energetic and motivated officers present, the Customs Department of Anguilla observed its 10th anniversary of World Customs Day on Friday, January 25th. This year’s the theme was: “Smart borders for seamless trade, travel and transport.”
International Customs Day is observed worldwide every year on January 26th, or on the preceding or next pubic work day, should the 26th happen to fall on a weekend. And with the stellar accomplishments gained by the local Customs Department, over the past year or so, this year there was quite a lot to celebrate.
The staff of the Department had gathered under the spread of a tent on the grounds on the Customs Main Office in The Valley. The Moderator was Mrs. Carolyn Richardson-Hodge. Among other features, a prayer of thanksgiving was made by Anglican Lay Minister, Mr. Crispin Gumbs; a synopsis of International Customs Day and its message was read by staff member Mr. Sagee Williams; an address was delivered by the Hon. Chief Minster, Mr. Victor Banks; a message was shared by Deputy Gov. Perin Bradley; and a rousing motivational pep talk was presented by Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Travis Carty.
Mr. Carty commended the Department’s staff for their diligence and dedication to their task as dutiful public servants but, at the same time, he decried the fact that his team was working under some adverse conditions due to a lack of certain provisions by government to meet their needs.
In delivering the International Customs Day message, from the World Customs Organization, Mr.Sagee Williams expanded on the “smart” aspect of the theme. He stressed that many tools, instruments and initiatives have been developed and will be further enhanced to readily assist Customs administrators in making the transition to “smart” borders.
Mr. Williams noted that as International Customs Day is celebrated annually, on January 26th, by the global customs community, it is observed in honor of the Customs Cooperation Council which was established on January 26th, 1953.
The Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks stated: “The Government of Anguilla certainly appreciates the contributions that Customs continues to make to ensure that trade is facilitated, that our borders are safe, and that the revenue sources are protected, as these are critical to the services for the people of Anguilla. I would like you to give yourselves a round of applause for the great job that you have been doing.”
He went on: “Over the years, but particularly in the recovery year of 2018, it was especially important that you did your job to the best of your ability. I associate myself with the theme as put forward by the World Customs Day message, especially as it relates to the importance of seamless trade, travel and transport. It is good to know that our Customs Department is upfront to all aspects of trade, travel and transport because you are the ones who sit at our borders and patrol our waters.”
Deputy Governor, Perin Bradley stated: “I do have a very good appreciation of the challenges that the customs officers face on a daily basis. I realize it is not an easy job to be a Customs Officer. I have every confidence in the Comptroller, the man who manages the affairs of the Department on a day to day basis. I appreciate the challenges that this Department faces, and I am here to lend my support to try to resolve some of the issues that affect the Department.”
Mr. Travis Carty, the Comptroller stated: “Today it is about the Customs staff and the challenges that we endure on the journey to success. On the journey to success there will be many potholes; there will be many huddles. But once you keep on going and eventually overcome those huddles, you will certainly prosper. You will ultimately find that success.”
Mr. Carty praised his staff for their magnificent achievement in 2018 despite the challenges of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma: “The year 2018 was one of the most challenging years in the Anguilla Customs Department,” he reflected. “We cried, we laughed, and we cried again. Many times we have had to come to complete stops. But whatever we did, we prospered.
He continued: “I am happy, today, to say that by the end of the third week of October 2018, we had achieved beyond the revised target on the budget of the Government of Anguilla. You deserve a hand.” He stressed, “By the end of the second week in November, we had hit the actual target for 2018.”
Mr. Carty added, “While the resources were few and the finance team could not afford to provide us with what we needed to work with, we did the work anyway. It’s like we took on the spirit of Obama in his 2004 campaign, saying: ‘Yes we can!’’ He reflected saying, “I hope that one day the Hon. Chief Minister and the Deputy Governor would provide the needed resources.”
Mr. Carty presented awards of recognition to select officers for their dedicated service.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Customs Guard, Melissa Carty.
