Jamaica Customs expands services with street outreach in Trelawny

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) recently launched a new format of its communication initiative called ‘Customs Meets the Community,’ which aims to bring customs services directly to local residents. The first leg of this initiative took place in Trelawny, with the JCA team visiting various communities in the parish. Accompanied by partners such as FAME 95 FM, the Trelawny Police Division, the Social Development Commission, the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, and the Trade Board Limited, the customs team engaged with residents to address concerns, clarify procedures, and provide information on new customs processes and initiatives.

The itinerary of the community engagement initiative was designed to interact with residents in the covered areas, providing a platform for direct interaction with customs representatives. Throughout the day, customs officials engaged in dialogue with community members, discussing import regulations, explaining clearance procedures, and demystifying customs processes to build trust with the public. Key topics included the agency’s Contactless Clearance Process and new Mobile App – JACustoms Connect, aimed at streamlining customs procedures and enhancing communication with stakeholders.

La Donna Manning, Director of Public Relations and Customer Service at the JCA, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community-based engagement in fostering understanding of the agency’s policies and procedures. She highlighted the agency’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness to stakeholder needs, and praised the initiative for bringing customs services directly to communities, aligning with the agency’s tagline of ‘Reaching our customers where they are.’ Participants provided positive feedback, appreciating the opportunity to interact directly with customs officials and gaining insights into customs processes.

The feedback from participants reiterated the success of the ‘Customs Meets the Community’ initiative, with many residents expressing gratitude for the engagement and the opportunity to interact with customs representatives. As the JCA continues to prioritize community-based engagements and strengthen ties with the public, initiatives like ‘Customs Meets the Community’ play a crucial role in nurturing cooperation and understanding between the agency and local communities. By increasing transparency and accessibility, the JCA aims to enhance compliance and build trust with stakeholders, demonstrating its commitment to serving the public efficiently and effectively.

Overall, the ‘Customs Meets the Community’ initiative in Trelawny showcased the JCA’s dedication to fostering closer ties with local communities, enhancing information sharing, and facilitating feedback. By bringing customs services directly to residents and engaging in dialogue with community members, the JCA aims to demystify customs processes, address concerns, and build trust with the public. As the agency continues to prioritize community-based engagements as part of its broader communication strategy, initiatives like ‘Customs Meets the Community’ are instrumental in nurturing stronger ties and fostering a culture of cooperation and understanding between the JCA and local stakeholders.