Customs and Excise Department says so long to four officers

On Friday November, 15, 2024, the management and staff of the Customs and Excise Department hosted a ‘celebratory send off’ for four employees. Two of these officers proceeded on early retirement, one proceeded on pre-retirement leave, and one was transferred.

“Each officer has truly left an indelible mark on the department and they will be greatly missed as we wish them all a fulfilling new chapter in their lives,” states a release from the department.

The four persons leaving the Customs are: Dave Crosby who “began his service with the Government of St. Vincent and the 37 years ago at the Customs and Excise Department onTuesday, May 5, 1987”.

Crosby, referred to as “Bing”, among his colleagues, has been described as a professional at getting the work done and knowledgeable, especially about the Customs Laws and procedures.

He “supervised multiple sections within the department and will leave as the Supervisor of Queens II Warehouse”.

Cyrillene Williams joined the Customs and Excise Department as a temporary clerk, on July, 7,1988. She is said to have had “an impeccable punctuality and attendance record” and “laudable” deportment.

During her 35 year tenure as a government employee, she has worked in various units throughout the Department, including the decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport, Campden Park, Transit Shed, and Documentary Checking Unit “where she was considered an expert”.

William leaves as the Assistant Supervisor of the Internal Audit unit.

Eddie De Freitas joined the Customs and Excise Department after a four year stint at the Treasury, and has spent 27 at Customs.

Labelled as “a professional who is loyal to duty”, De Freitas is also said to have “ interacted well with individuals of all ranks within the department” and “is loved by many, and others wanted to emulate his stalwart and incredible performance”.

He leaves as Supervisor of the Grenadines, on appointment on transfer to the Ministry of Urban Development, Energy, Airports, Seaport, Grenadines Affairs and Local Government.

Velma Spring- Peters, whose career within the public service spanned 25 years, is said to have “worked tirelessly to secure the Government’s revenue, the Customs facility and facilitate international trade and travel throughout the years”.

Family oriented, enjoys taking care of others, selfless, caring and a shoulder to lean on in times of need, are some of the phrases used to describe her.

Spring-Peters, who was stationed at the cargo terminal of the Argyle International Airport, leaves the Customs and Excise Department as a Senior Customs Guard.

The management and staff of the Customs and Excise Department has expressed gratitude to the departing officers “for their dedication, loyalty and excellence throughout their years of service”.