Customs head says people over reacting

The Comptroller of Customs is challenging claims that some traders’ perishable goods were left to spoil last weekend, and also says that people are over reacting as regards the newly instituted Asycuda ++ computerized Customs system.{{more}}

Comptroller Grenville John told SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday that the he believes that criticisms being leveled at the Customs department are unfair, and inaccurate.

He further said that any goods that perished did not do so because of Customs, but may have come to St Vincent that way.

He said that one of the problems people are having with the new system, is that they are not accustomed to having to wait for their goods after they have paid.

Under the Asycuda ++ system, entries are submitted online (via the Internet) to Customs. A hard copy is printed, which the importer takes to Customs. The importer pays the required duties, and then takes the document to the station to collect the goods. Once there, the goods are then subjected to examination before they are handed over.

“We have a culture in St Vincent, and the culture has been over the years that, as soon as you pay, you collect your goods,” John said.

He said that while the Customs expected that there would be some hitches while stakeholders get accustomed to the system, he is confident that it will eventually make the process more efficient for all concerned.

John said that contingency plans are in place to deal with problems that may arise.

One problem that has surfaced according to some customs brokers, is the difficulty they say they are having accessing the customs network via the Internet, which they say, is slowing down their work considerably.

“Every time you try to use the system you are getting an error,” said Adina Harry of Harry’s shipping.

She told SEARCHLIGHT that the system seems to always be breaking down, and is causing never ending frustration to her staff.

“We could hardly get anything done,” Harry said.

Customs brokers have all been given usernames and passwords which they use to access the customs network to make entries on behalf of their clients.

John, who was accompanied by his deputy, Albert Francis during the interview, told SEARCHLIGHT that he is aware that some brokers have had problems logging on to the system.

He however stressed that contingency plans have been made, and once the brokers lodge a complaint, someone will be available to assist in solving the problem. (KJ)