WASHINGTON: Division of Customs Director Jose Mafnas announced another significant increase in revenue collections and fiscal year improvements between 2016 and 2017 following upgrades to detection equipment and operations. “When comparing revenue collection from FY 2016 to 2017, the months of October to August collections have moved up to $3 million,” he said. Mafnas notes that since his last reporting in mid-July, detections and collections of outstanding accounts have increased.
Secretary of Finance Larrisa Larson states that the current amount of revenue collection from October to July 2017 amounts to a total of $39.5 million with one month left in FY 2017 to take into account. “Our revenue collections from the Division of Customs have increased every fiscal year and with one more month left, revenue collection has increased to just over 8 percent. In these months of FY 2016, we collected $36.4 million and in FY 2017, $39.5 million has been collected,” Larson said. Gov. Ralph D.L.G. Torres commended the Division of Customs on their continued progress and increasing demands. “The numerous upgrades to Customs equipment and training of our officers have been very positive. I applaud all the hardworking inspectors and detection units for their continued commitment. These improvements and successes have not gone unnoticed and we extend our appreciation to your continued safeguarding of our islands and the improvement of our economy,” Governor Torres said.
