Premier Dr. Ellis Webster, and the Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Kyle Hodge, took the opportunity to comment on the observance of International Customs Day 2021 on Tuesday, January 26, in the Anguilla context. They were also responding to the message from the Secretary General of the World Customs Oganisation, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya.
“As it has been said, customs is at the frontline as a border control entity and a revenue collector,” Premier Webster stated. “As was said by the Secretary General, this is a time of rejuvenation because it is necessary for customs to change as time changes in this pandemic. Trade has been down and this allows us a time to have digital transformation. Years ago, when the Asycuda System was introduced, we thought that was the best thing that could happen.
“Now we have other programmes that are coming on stream. We have the Trusted Customer Programme which will allow traders, retailers and importers to get their customs clearances done in a more efficient and faster manner. This will allow them to do better in terms of getting their products out to the stores.
“In our Customs Department, there has been movement of personnel, and I think that comes with the fact that change is necessary to ensure we have a Customs Department to fulfil the requirements of the people of Anguilla. It has to be efficient, effective and move things faster to allow consumers to get what they need.”
Minister Kyle Hodge, speaking in terms of economic security, said: “Customs is really in control of the borders where our goods and people enter. The role of customs, as it relates to facilitating trade and the movement of people, is very vital. Customs is now embracing technology to combat Covid-19 which is presenting a lot of challenges. We can definitely tell from the different presentations here — that customs is ready to move forward to embrace new challenges to combat this virus in the new Covid era we are now in.”
