KWL recognises Jamaica Customs Agency, awards 14 customs officers

Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) recently recognised the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and presented special awards to 14 of its officers for their exceptional contribution, leadership and collaboration over the past two years.

The awards luncheon took place at Kingston Wharves’ Total Logistics Facility during International Customs Week recently.

KWL’s CEO, Mark Williams, lauded the officers for their support in customer service delivery at the company’s port terminal and logistics facilities, especially during the busy peak seasons.

“Both organisations exist in a symbiotic relationship which benefits Jamaica – Kingston Wharves facilitates importation and exportation of critical cargo, including food and medical supplies, while the JCA acts as the vanguard for border protection and revenue collection,” Williams said, adding, “Customs officers regularly extend themselves to ensure seamless operations with our team and service delivery to our end customers.”

He also cited the need for increased partnership on expanding e-commerce and pre-clearance solutions which “would support greater efficiency and increased revenue collection for the Government”.

Commissioner of Customs Velma Ricketts-Walker commended KWL for “the high level of responsiveness to the Customs team – you respond to requests to address issues; you provide resources to improve overall service, you also make an effort to consult with Customs in relation to proposed changes, and forge partnerships committed to serving our mutual customers”.

She also urged the honourees to continue executing their duties based on the organisation’s core values of customer focus, accountability, professionalism, integrity and transparency.

The customs officers were presented with recognition plaques. In honour of the invaluable partnership between the Jamaica Customs Agency and Kingston Wharves, Jamaica Customs Agency was presented with a partnership appreciation plaque.