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Businesses complain of long Customs Dept delays in clearing packages
Around 2013, under Mr Smith’s leadership, a new system called the Customs Automation Processing System (CAPS) became fully operational to make things easier for clearing your goods via customs.
However, over the past year, local businesses and individuals have continued to complain that the CAPS system is always down and whenever it comes up there is a long backlog in clearing packages for businesses.
This has caused many small and medium-sized businesses to lose money, as the delay means they cannot get their goods cleared to place in the stores for resale.
CAPS needs updating?
It is our understanding that the CAPS system has run out of storage space and already needs to be upgraded. The cost is unknown at this time, but there are also some network challenges with the CAPS system.
This situation has a direct effect on residents and businesses who use the facility.
Some 90% of all goods and packages are imported into the Territory and must be cleared by the Customs Department.
It is also unknown if further delays are caused because UK officials, prompted by a one-man Commission of Inquiry imposed on the Virgin Islands, are looking into matters at the Customs Department, which one senior customs officer described as “getting in our way and keeping us from our work asking all types of questions.”
Assistant Commissioner Mr Clinton G. Romney did not respond to our query on the CAPS matter.
Romney In! Lettsome Out!
Meanwhile, sources in the Ministry of Finance, where the Customs Department portfolio falls, told our new centre that today, Friday, December 29, 2023, is the last day on the job for Acting Commissioner of Customs Mr Leslie H. Lettsome, who will proceed on pre-retirement leave. He will be replaced by Assistant Commissioner Clinton G. Romney, who will act in the post.
It is unclear the direction of the Department following the removal of its Head, Mr Smith, who has been charged by UK Police Officers with one count of Breach of Trust.
There are unconfirmed reports that the Governor has his eyes on that post to be replaced with a UK National; however, our newsroom could not independently verify these claims.
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21 Responses to “Businesses complain of long Customs Dept delays in clearing packages”
Maybe the writer should look into the real problems as to why this department like most Government departments fails to efficiently operate and meet the needs of the people whom they are meant to serve.
Other time when it’s down they have to call overseas to fix it…..NONSENSE!!!
Way too much capable people in the BVI CAN BUILD AND MAINTAIN AH PLATFORM WAY BETTER THAN THIS
You lead off by making a connection that is completely unwarranted by any facts, while at the same time, tainting your article’s lead-in with the implication that the removal of the rumored ‘Government Official 1’ was/is purely frivolous and capricious.
This is the kind of journalism one finds so dubious on Fox News. Shame.