GEORGE TOWN: Charles Clifford is settling into his new position as the Cayman Islands’ new collector of customs, drawing on his legal background as well as 23 years of experience in public service.
“We welcome Mr Clifford to the post of Collector of Customs and we are confident that, with his vast experience and knowledge as a permanent secretary and minister, he will provide the necessary leadership and support to tackle the challenges facing the customs department today,” said the Head of the Civil Service, Hon Franz Manderson, and the Financial Secretary and Chief Officer of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Kenneth Jefferson, in a joint statement when they announced the appointment.
Clifford began his new job on 17 August and will focus on revenue maximisation for the government and continuing a strong partnership between his department and the immigraton and police services.
“I am very pleased to be returning to the civil service at this critical juncture and to have an opportunity to contribute to the further development of the service and the Cayman Islands in this new role,” Mr Clifford said when his appointment was announced.
With an attitude that observes “every new challenge as an opportunity,” he will also focus on staff welfare and succession planning, which will include conducting a salary review for four junior officers to ensure the salaries are comparable to counterparts in immigration and the Royal Cayman Island Police Service (RCIPS).
The customs department collects import duties, package taxes and warehouse fees and also works to prevent the importation of illegal items.
A graduate of the Truman Bodden Law School/University of Liverpool, Clifford spent 17 years with the RCIPS. He also worked as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and spent four years as minister of tourism, environment, investment and commerce.
