As part of activities marking World Customs Week 2026, the Customs and Excise Department hosted an interactive Customs Showcase Day at Derek Walcott Square on January 28th, offering members of the public a closer look at its role in trade facilitation, border protection, and revenue security.
The event transformed the city square into an open forum where residents could engage directly with customs officials, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the department operates.
Senior Customs Officer, Marassa Henry, said the initiative was designed to demystify customs processes and strengthen cooperation between the department and the public.
“What we’re doing is we’re having a little event where we could sensitize the public on our job, what our responsibilities are, what we require from them,” Henry explained.
“And we have alongside us some sister agencies. We have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have Inland Revenue. Basically, all that is just to sensitize the public on what is required from them, what they expect from us, so we could have a better working relationship.”
Henry noted that Customs and Excise plays a critical role in facilitating trade while safeguarding the country’s borders and government revenue. He said public education is essential to ensuring smoother interactions and compliance.
“Our main function is trade facilitation, border security and the security of government revenue,” he said. “So, what we want to do is collaborate with the public, allow them to know that this is what we require from them.”
He added that many members of the public often find customs procedures confusing, particularly when dealing with duties and detained packages.
“A lot of people don’t have the understanding of the duties, how you collect duties, when you get stuff by a courier service saying it’s detained,” Henry said. “So, when they come, you could ask us questions, and we could give them an explanation of what actually transpires.”
According to Henry, improving public understanding benefits both sides.
“If they understand it better, then when these things happen it’s easier for them to understand and it’s easier for us to cooperate,” he added.
The Customs Showcase Day formed part of broader efforts during World Customs Week to increase transparency, build trust, and highlight the department’s contribution to national development and economic stability.