The Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) and the St. Lucia Council for Technical Vocational and Educational Training (SLUCTVET) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mark the beginning of a partnership aimed at developing training standards for customs courses. These courses are not currently recognized as part of the promotion criteria for career advancement. The MOU was signed by Mr. Claude A. Paul, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, and Mr. Perry Thomas, Chairman of the TVET Council, on October 10, 2024.
This agreement officially launches a process that will lead to the certification and recognition of competency-based learning currently offered by CCLEC through various modes, including its eLearning platform, (https://elearning.cclec.org). Training is also available to customs administrations through traditional face-to-face sessions. The courses range from entry-level to advanced and specialized training programs designed to build capacity and enhance the competence of customs officers across the region.
In 2023, more than 150 officers completed the Junior Officer Basic (JOB) Course, and many others took part in specialized training.
The MOU provides a structured framework to establish and improve training standards, ensuring relevance and applicability. An expert panel comprising experienced professionals from across the region will oversee the development and revision of content as needed.
Although SLUCTVET is locally based, the goal is to secure regional acceptance of these standards through recognition as a CARICOM Vocational Qualification (CVQ). This collaboration marks a significant achievement for CCLEC and customs administrations, which have long advocated for the formal recognition of their in-house training programs by the relevant authorities in member countries.
