NASSAU: Customs officers from the Northern Bahamas, namely Grand Bahama, Bimini and Abaco, have planned a series of events in celebration of the 27th International Customs Day, according to Larry Bodie, Superintendent of Bahamas Customs, during a press conference in the Board Room at the C.A. Smith Complex on Wednesday morning.
Mr. Bodie was keen to point out that last year the Bahamas Customs Department made history when it hosted the first WCO IT Conference in the Caribbean, in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
“This year, we will celebrate our International Customs Day, under the theme: Digital Customs: Progressive Engagements.
“Consistent with this theme, Bahamas Customs has implemented The Electronic Data Interface (EDI) for several years, whereby the electronic system has contributed to the effectiveness, efficiency and co-ordination of Customs activities such as automated customs clearance of goods,” he stated.
As part of their celebration in Grand Bahama, the Customs Department will host the first Northern Bahamas Long Service Awards and World Customs Organization Awards Ceremony.
The occasion will comprise officers from Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini and will be held on Tuesday, January 26th 2016, beginning at 7p.m. at Le Chateau On The Green.
Chief Customs/Revenue Officers Terrance Delaney and Oswald Gardiner for more than 40 years of service. Also, Chief Customs Officer Brenda Ferguson and Clarence Johnson, along with Customs/Revenue Officer I, Rudolph Stubbs who will be saluted for 30 years of service.
Accepting the World Customs Organization Award this year will be Customs/Revenue Officer I, Rochelle Ferguson and Customs/Revenue Officer II Shavago Dames.
Mr. Bodie explained that The WCO Awards is given to officers who have demonstrated excellence in their work, especially in the international customs community.
While the honouring of some twenty-four officers from Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini is a high point of the celebrations, other activities planned include Church Services scheduled for January 24 at Mount of Blessings Church of God in Hepburn Town, Eight Mile Rock beginning at 9:30 a.m.
On January 28, 2016 at 12:00 noon, a group of officers in conjunction with Community at Heart Church of God on Coral Road will assist in feeding some of the less fortunate residents. Additionally the staff will donate canned goods, along with new or used clothing and shoes.
On February 3, a forum for Customs Brokers, Shipping Agents and Airfreight Cargo Agents will take place at the C.A. Smith Complex, Customs Headquarters, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The celebration concludes on February 6, when they will stage a Fun Day at the Grand Bahama Airport Cargo Section from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. for Customs staff and family, and also children invited from the community.
