Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke
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Dr. Nigel Clarke
Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke has responded to concerns regarding increases in the time for processing shipments coming into the country's container ports.
Responding to queries raised by Opposition Spokesman on Commerce Anthony Hylton, Dr. Clarke said the government will have to look at strategies to improve efficiency at the ports.
"We have a lot of activity at our ports and we're going to have to make adjustments so that the additional volume can be accommodated. But one compromise that we cannot make is on the security side," he explained.
"The security procedures have to be followed and maintained, and we have to support the Customs administration, as far as that is concerned. But we will, at the same time, need to introduce measures that can alleviate some of the congestion," he added.
Last Friday, President of the Jamaica Society of Customs Brokers, Junior Waugh, lamented the increased processing time at the ports to clear containers.
Mr. Waugh said shipments for Christmas could be delayed.
Despite requests for interviews, the Jamaica Customs Agency has declined to comment on the matter.
Radio Jamaica News was directed to a press release dated September 22, which says Jamaica Customs "has increased its vigilance and process controls at the various ports of entry, which may impact the turnaround time for clearances".
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