In the framework of the COVID-19 Project funded by the Government of Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) organized an in-person workshop to support the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in ensuring business continuity and the expedited facilitation of relief supplies during disruptive events. This event took place in Kingston and was dedicated to reinforcing JCA’s preparedness to tackle natural disasters, infectious diseases and other unpredictable scenarios, and foster synergies with stakeholders involved in humanitarian operations.
JCA worked closely with the COVID-19 Project team to organize the initiative and invited several key stakeholders to take part in the different sessions, demonstrating commitment, dedication and a spirit of collaboration. The workshop brought together Customs representatives, disaster management and border authorities, competent ministries and humanitarian partners. Each of them took an active part in the discussions and provided technical expertise and contributions. The audience highlighted the importance of coordinating national emergency response and management, thus facilitating the flow of well-needed supplies and equipment to the people of Jamaica and the export of goods to countries within the region hit by disasters.
During the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of JCA, Velma Rickets Walker, thanked the WCO for the technical assistance and guidance provided to improve the ability of Customs staff to tackle future disruptive events. On behalf of the WCO Secretariat, the Deputy Director in charge of the Procedures and Facilitation Sub-Directorate, Brendan O’Hearn, underlined that disaster preparedness should be at the core of Customs training in order for the Administration to respond to emergencies efficiently.
Participants were guided through the different sessions of the workshop, covering both legislative texts and practical exercises. The WCO’s instruments and tools relevant to disaster relief were reviewed and used as a benchmark to analyze Jamaica’s Customs legal framework and procedures. These included the Revised Kyoto Convention and its principles for importing relief goods, the 2011 Resolution measures to foster Customs operational readiness and the WCO Guidelines on disaster management and supply chain continuity.
During the final sessions, participants were divided into working groups to analyze the implementation of existing Standard Operating Procedures for the clearance of relief goods and discuss their efficient implementation by using tabletop discussions and reinforcing scenario-based testing.
The work produced during the workshop will be a starting point to further fine-tune the national legal framework relevant to emergency operations and to ensure ongoing cooperation with the stakeholders involved in humanitarian aid, thus reinforcing JCA’s resilience and disaster preparedness.