Twelve Customs officials from Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division participated in a five-day workshop aimed at implementing an Internal Affairs Unit within the Administration. The event was developed and delivered under the WCO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme, tailored to address specific needs identified by the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division.

The workshop focused on creating a comprehensive action plan for establishing an Internal Affairs Unit within the Administration. This action plan encompassed the legal, human resource, structural, and other resource-related aspects, providing a roadmap for the implementation of the unit. The action plan reflects the commitment of the Administration to implement a structure that will play a crucial role in upholding integrity and combating corruption within the organization.

A WCO Member expert from the Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil (RFB) and a WCO A-CIP Programme expert facilitated the event in St. John’s from 23 to 27 October 2023. The participants from different key areas of the Administration brought together their views, perspectives and experiences to define a collective way forward.

In the coming months, the participants will refine the action and work towards creating the Internal Affairs Unit. The dedication and collaborative effort demonstrated throughout the workshop served to build momentum that would foster positive change within the institution.

The WCO A-CIP Programme supports more than 20 countries in five WCO regions. It receives funding from Norad and Canada and focuses on fighting corruption and promoting integrity in Customs administrations.

For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.