The new Regional Clearance System, RCS2019, will be deployed at the end of August and to support this initiative, the CCLEC convened a train-the-trainer seminar for regional Customs officers in St Lucia from July 29-31, 2019.
The seminar which was jointly sponsored by UKBF/ODA and CCLEC aimed at building local capacity to deliver RCS training. Eighteen officers from the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean were in attendance. In his opening remarks, the CCLEC Permanent Secretary, Mr Albert Sandy, reminded the participants that the system was commissioned by CCLEC members in 2000 because it was recognized then that there was a need to collect data on pleasure vessels plying the region for security purposes. The system however has evolved over the years and now also functions as an administrative tool for facilitating pleasure vessels, crew and passengers visiting the region.
Participants were instructed to perform data entry functions and how to conduct accurate and effective risk analysis, through best practices of risk modelling, selectivity, monitoring and the management of risk rules/indicators. Practical examples and user experiences to encourage user participation and the sharing of ideas and best practices were incorporated in the sessions.
This new training model will make a significant difference in enabling members to fully utilize the RCS as well as creating a valuable communication network between regional enforcement units as they work together to secure regional borders.
