CUSTOMS ACT A SIGNAL FOR POSITIVE CHANGE SAYS COMPTROLLER

Wednesday July 14, 2010

According to Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Wade Smith, the new Customs act “is a signal that positive change will take place for the Customs Department and stakeholders.”

The comptroller made these remarks after Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, moved the motion for the introduction and first reading of the bill entitled, “Customs Management and Duties Act, 2010” at the Twelfth Sitting of the Third Session of the First House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands yesterday.

“Not only will the new legislation ensure proper regulation and uniformity of Customs activities, but it will also introduce a more efficient and reliable computerised system,” said Mr. Smith.

The system referred to by the comptroller is the trader’s side of the Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS). He said, “CAPS will decrease some of the hustle and bustle experienced by importers who will be able to submit their entries via their home computers. Also, the new system will provide essential statistics in relation to the types of imports being brought into the Territory.”

The Comptroller of Customs indicated that the department is currently making preparations to provide a smooth transition of the system and immediate training will begin once the new legislation is implemented.

Persons who would like to know more about CAPS can telephone the Customs Headquarters at 468-3701 ext. 6800.

The mission of the Customs Department is to safeguard the well-being and security of the Territory by facilitating legitimate trade, enforcing import and export regulations and conducting covert and overt surveillance of the Territory’s waters.