The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) celebrated its 46th Annual Conference in Nassau, Bahamas from May 29th to 31st, 2024, under the theme “Transforming the Customs Landscape to Meet Changing Needs.” The main objective of the CCLEC Annual Conference is to foster networking between Customs Comptrollers and strategic partners on both regional and international levels.
The conference saw attendance from representatives of 22 countries, along with various regional and international observers, including the World Customs Organization, CARICOM IMPACS, Korean Customs/CUPIA, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including diplomatic corps members, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Government departments, member administration delegates, and other esteemed attendees. The keynote address was delivered by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, the Honorable Phillip E. Davis. In his address, he highlighted CCLEC’s pivotal role in bringing together Customs administrations in the region since 1989, enhancing their ability to enforce customs laws, combat illicit activities, and facilitate legitimate trade through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Noting the importance of a data-driven organization, delegates had the opportunity to receive presentations on topics such as electronic single window systems, the CUPIA e-PASS Customs management system, enforcement tools and projects, and border security systems. Remote presentations were also made by the IMO, WTO, and the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC).
A panel discussion addressed the challenges faced by courier express facilities in the region and Customs’ role in managing the increasing volume of express courier parcels. Panelists included Mr. Rashid Jean Baptiste and Mr. Alexis Roberts from West Tech Shipping and Just Ship It, respectively, along with Mrs. Velma Walker-Ricketts, CEO/Commissioner of JCA, and Mr. Kennedy DeSilva, Comptroller of St. Kitts. The discussion yielded several recommendations to improve compliance, share best practices, and enhance overall service efficiency.
Delegates also received a report from the Permanent Secretary, Mr Claude Paul, on the CCLEC work program, which included updates on establishing a regional ICT training centre, implementing a subscription fee for SailClear account users, certification of CCLEC courses by an external body, data sharing with IMPACS, cooperation with WCO, the WCO Caribbean RILO, and progress towards ratifying the CCO Treaty. The UK overseas territories pledged to ratify the treaty by the end of this year, subject to approval from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Council honoured Mr. Charles Clifford, Director of Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control, with an award for his significant contributions to CCLEC over the years.
