At the invitation of Mr. Raju Boddu, Comptroller of Antigua and Barbuda Customs, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, visited Saint John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, on 16 November 2018. 

Dr. Mikuriya was received by Mr. Steadroy C.O. Benjamin, Attorney General, in his capacity as Acting Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.  As the representative of the WCO’s newest Member, the Acting Prime Minister welcomed the numerous opportunities for training and assistance provided by the WCO and pledged his firm support for ongoing Customs modernization.  He shared the vision of his country as “a little bit of paradise” for tourists and expressed his hope for continued strong drive within Customs to create a better business environment.

Secretary General Mikuriya also met with the Customs management team at Customs headquarters.  They discussed Customs’ vision for Small Island Economies, namely promoting tourism and facilitating related imports while protecting society, especially against the backdrop of developing new maritime and airport infrastructures.  The talks focused on human resource development, including blended e-learning, professionalism and a service-oriented mind-set.  The Customs management team voiced its resolve to make Antigua and Barbuda Customs a leading example in the region.