Guyana is the latest Regional Administration to receive support from CCLEC to implement the WCO e-Learning program.

On the 9^th to 11^th of February, Guyana held a 2-day training seminar which was facilitated by the CCLEC to introduce and implement e-Learning to its trainers. Present were 26 trainers and supervisors representing a wide cross section of Customs operations. These persons will take the lead to be resource persons in the delivery of various eLearning training sessions and initiatives. The training seminar offered participants the opportunity to get a hands-on feel of the system and also familiarize them with the Tutor and Coordinator roles.

One of the overall objectives of the seminar was to develop a pilot plan to assist the Training Team in the implementation of the system. The Guyana pilot program is scheduled for the month of March 2010 while full rollout will begin during the 2^nd quarter of the year.

A two day workshop was held in St Lucia from 21-22 September 2009 to develop the implementation plan for the AEO program in St Lucia.  The AEO is a component of the WCO Framework of Standards for Customs.  Under the AEO program Customs will provide benefits to businesses that meet minimal supply chain security standards and best practices.

The workshop which was organized by the CCLEC in conjunction with the WCO, St Lucia Customs and the US Department of Commerce, brought together members of the St Lucia private sector and Customs as well as a representative from Jamaica Customs, to flesh out and plan a suitable AEO program while taking into consideration the local environment.

There was overwhelming support from the private sector for the program as they considered it as a significant step in assisting the business community and they welcomed the proposal for Customs to facilitate bona fide traders. It was agreed that a pilot program will run with a small group of companies before the program is offered to other eligible traders.  A timeframe for the program was developed and Customs will lead the program in close consultation with members of an AEO private sector consultative group soon to be established.

The CCLEC will run three pilots in the region which will assist in designing a regional roadmap for wider implementation of the program in the region.  The Secretariat intends to work closely with St Lucia Customs during the implementation phase of the pilot.

 

 

It is well recognized that globalisation, market liberalisation, the convergence of information and communications technology, and the ever increasing demand for new and better quality services have impacted heavily on the development of national economies and their abilities to sustain economic competitive advantage.

This phenomenon has placed a greater demand on the role and performance of Customs and Public Service in general. The performance of Customs is now no longer incidental to, but critical in ensuring that government is best placed to achieve its purpose, goals and objectives.

Customs cannot continue to operate in the same archaic way and therefore in order for the Department to function effectively in a highly professional and competitive environment, senior managers must be equipped to manage the department.