New Customs chief promises more efficient department

The Customs and Excise Department is starting a modernisation drive that will bring in automation, data-driven risk management, post-clearance audits and more staff training.

Lynette Padmore, the new Comptroller of Customs, told a press conference on Tuesday that some internal fixes are needed.

“We have to look internally first, and any measures that may need addressing, whether it be human resources or training, we have to fix those first because obviously you can understand that in doing so we then we’ll be able better to deliver the type of effectiveness and efficiency that you’re expecting from us,” she explained.

“We would have launched yesterday, and the comments that we would have been seeing, we obviously need to recognise that there’s some fixing that is required, so we definitely will focus on that, our training and the efficiency that we will offer to our partners, our stakeholders, as well as the general public that is critical at this juncture.”

Padmore said that even though the department has limited resources and not enough equipment, the staff continue to do their jobs well.

“Our staff works extremely hard amidst trying circumstances, limited resources, lack of equipment, but I believe we are still delivering and we will still continue to deliver,” she said. “We also work diligently with our collaborative law enforcement partners. They continue to assist us greatly and we’re eternally grateful to them.”

She said the department’s modernisation will rely on automation and a stronger, data-driven risk management unit.

Padmore said staff are already receiving training to strengthen the re-established evaluation unit and help with pre-clearance work.

She revealed that by the end of September, a new airport baggage-tagging system will be introduced to help the department better serve passengers arriving on the island.

“This technology driven exercise we’ll see persons who arrive in Barbados when we do our screening before you get your bags, we will engage and determine which bags, which set of luggage we are interested in, and we will tag those bags for in failing that you pass through the system, there’s a structure there and as long as you pass through and it’s no alerts given to us, you’re free to go.”

Padmore explained that this is especially important ahead of the tourist season. The department believes the system should help reduce airport backlogs.

The Customs chief also revealed that, to make things easier for local travellers, Customs is working with GovTech to introduce the $500 annual duty-free allowance digitally.

“We will link this to your digital ID or your passport and most passengers now, most travellers now will enjoy that $500 duty-free allowance, that annual duty-free allowance,” she said. “We also will engage all of these initiatives because we, the Customs, want to ensure that the Barbados public regains confidence in us.”  

New Customs regulations are also expected to take effect by October as the Government updates the rules governing the department.

Finance Minister Ryan Straughn explained that new Customs legislation was passed in 2021, but the old regulations remained in place while new programmes were developed.

These new initiatives include the Trusted Trader Programme and advance rulings, and the new regulations need to keep pace with new technology.

“We are now already in a position to roll out not just the recruitment of staff and training but to make sure that the regulations that will govern how those things operate will be the case …,” Straughn said.

He explained that updated Standard Operating Procedures will accompany the regulations, based on feedback provided by the Chamber of Commerce and Customs Workers Association.

Additionally, Straughn said BIMPay will be integrated as part of broader measures to help modernise payment systems.

“We will be advancing a number of technological interventions. We did upgrade to ASYCUDA World in 2019. We were discussing the timelines with respect to the upgrade to ASYCUDA 5, which will bring an even more mobile intervention to how regular customers as well as the business community can benefit from that intervention,” he said. 

Padmore outlined the department’s vision going forward, saying she is a stickler for compliance.

“So my vision for the Customs department then is drawn by a keen interest and passion in ensuring that national security and the country are protected, thus ensuring and upholding the compliance from the trading community to bolster revenue collection,” she said.

She explained that a more compliant trading community means Barbados can have more persons involved in the Trusted Trader Programme.

“We will have less policing of the persons who import, etc. into our country, and we will have a faster and smoother transition with our facilitation of trade.”

The new chief also revealed that as part of their anniversary celebrations, the department will host a “Funky Friday” for staff, a treasure hunt, and a bus ride/party bus involving staff, families and friends, with invitations extended to immigration and police partners.

The main event, a gala and award ceremony, will be held on Saturday, September 5.

(LG)