Commissioner Walwyn, Mrs. Walwyn, Youth Director Hanley, first presenters in Customs in-house lecture series

Commissioner Walwyn and Wife along with Deputy Comptroller of Customs

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JULY 12, 2012 (Customs PRO) — The Customs and Excise Department has started an in-house lecture series with the expressed objectives of sharpening the customer service and teamwork capabilities of Trained Officers and Station Supervisors.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle said, “These sessions were designed to raise the profile of the department. Influential individuals from the public and private sector will make presentations that will cover a wide range of topics that would outline to our senior officers and supervisors (Officers Grade III and IV) the need for continued improvement at the Customs Department.”

The Deputy Comptroller further explained the rationale of the lecture series as a means of focusing the performance of the department to meet the expectations of the trade and travel sectors and the law enforcement and border security partners of Customs and Excise.

To date, Police Commissioner, Mr. Celvin G.Walwyn and his wife, Mrs. Antoinette Dickerson-Walwyn and Director of Youth, Mr. Geoffrey Hanley made presentations on The Benefits of Joint Law Enforcement Initiatives and Teamwork and Organisational Imperatives.

On Wednesday July 4, Commissioner and Mrs. Walwyn outlined that joint law enforcement initiatives are an integral part of detecting and preventing crimes at our borders and praised the assistance role that H. M. Customs and Excise Department has played in the crime fighting and investigation efforts of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

The couple presented on the importance of organisation and personal integrity, the importance of “cutting edge” information to law enforcement and the ubiquitous need for professionalism and courtesy.

Youth Director Hanley addressing Customs officers

Walwyn advised the officers present to be professionals at all times. He said, “As the border people, stay professionals at the border and when undertaking your other duties. People can only disrespect you if you give them permission.”

Mrs. Dickerson-Walwyn encouraged the officers and the department set priorities and to become tenaciously dedicated in working towards meeting the expectations of the nation.

She went further to applaud female customs officers for their successes in the department, urging them not to give up despite the impression that “it’s a man’s world”.

On Tuesday July 10, Youth Director Hanley counselled the officers on need for trust and confidence among their ranks for the department to meet its objectives. Hanley took the time to explain how benefits overcoming personal and professional differences and sustaining interpersonal relationships can bring about effective teamwork.

He further advised them team to be diligent and to use initiative. “Know the expectations that others have of you and the department. Then work at it. And when you work at it, use your initiative – do not just be an officer, effect change.”

Both sessions were interactive and the staff took the opportunity to raise questions and concerns of the experts. The officers left with nuggets of information and gems of advice. They left to refocus on their duties with the advice of Commissioner Walwyn, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”