The World Customs Organization (WCO) in conjunction with the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) and supported by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (IMF CARTAC) hosted a sub-regional donor meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados from October 15-17, 2012.

The purpose of the meeting was to create avenues to enhance coordination and cooperation between donors and donor administrations. Giving the success of the previous Americas donor

meetings, this meeting was held in an effort to  strengthen collaboration and exchange of information which could result in joint ventures that will be of benefit for the Caribbean. Attendees included representatives from IMF, World Bank, CIDA, DIFID, IFC and CBSA.

Mr. Hector Landeros, WCO Technical Officer, and Paul Hilaire from CCLEC made presentations on successes, upcoming projects and current tools.  Donors also had the opportunity to present their activities in the region.

The meeting identified a number potential joint activities and it was agreed that a concerted effort will be made to share information on the various activities which have particular bearing on regional Customs Administrations.

The 34^th Annual Conference was held in St Lucia from June 19-22, 2012 under the theme ‘Towards Better Cooperation’. Twenty four member countries were in attendance as well as a number of strategic partners.

Mr Herman St Helen, St Lucia Comptroller of Customs welcomed delegates to the conference followed by addresses by Mr Frank Holder, the Comptroller of Customs for Barbados and Chair of the XXXIII Conference, Mr Michel Prom, French Ambassador for OECS.

Dr Alison Plummer, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, delivered the Keynote Address on behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr Kenny D Anthony.  In her address Dr Plummer acknowledged the important role of Customs in revenue collection, trade and national security but she also noted that the Customs profession was a complex field that requires a multidisciplinary approach especially when dealing with the complexities and demands of the  various trading arrangements in the region.

She recognized the need for cooperation and said that CCLEC was one of the broadest pan-Caribbean organisations and naturally formed the basis for cooperation and sharing of experiences and best practices.  She commended the efforts and mission of the CCLEC in strengthening cooperation and collaboration for the betterment of the member states.

At the June 2012 Annual Conference Council agreed that it was in the best interest of CCLEC and the region to collaborate with the University of the West Indies (UWI) in the development and delivery of the BSc instead our current partner.     Therefore in order to  allow a seamless transition from CCES, University of Canberra to UWI the decision has been taken to postpone the commencement date for the new cohort.

The exact date for the next intake will be announced shortly.

CCLEC regrets this delay but it was necessary for the purpose outlined above.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat.

 

Register Here for Next Intake

During the week April 30 – May 05 2012, CCLEC hosted at the Regional Training Centre in the Dominican Republic its face to face component of the Customs Management Program. This program is in fulfillment and to supplement the online UC/CCES CCLEC Advance Diploma in customs management for the region. A total of thirty-two students attended. The students represent two groups, group one who is in their final year and who should be graduating this summer and group two in their first year of the program.

A total of four subjects mainly Governance and integrity, Accounting for Custom officers, intelligence management in the CCLEC Region and International trade Terms were lectured over the three day. The administrations of Barbados Grenada Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana provided trainers who are part of the CCLEC trained pool for that purpose. Additionally CCES provided material for the guidance of the tutors during the review and reinforcement sessions with the participants.

The students express their ongoing support for this exercise which has set a perfect path for revision prior to the final examinations. The class participation was full of vigor and all students demonstrated good command for the teaching manuals and reading materials for the respective subject. This is a reflection of the adequate preparation by both the students and lecturers for this component. The students will be writing their final exams the week commencing May 7 2012 and we all do exhort them to keep up the good work and all the best.