Customs Department celebrates International Customs Day

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, 30 JANUARY 2012 (Customs PRO) – The Comptroller of Customs and the Customs Department celebrated International Customs Day 2012 with a church service and luncheon on Sunday January 29 under the global theme “Borders Divide. Customs Connect.”

The contingent of over 120 Customs Officers, Customs Assistants, Customs Officials and their spouses and specially invited guests joined worshippers at the Wesley Methodist Church, Basseterre for a service of celebration.

Comptroller Rodney Harris poses with Prime Minister Douglas, invited guests and Customs management and staff at Wesley Methodist Church

Customs Officer Delando Levine read the Old Testament lesson, while Assistant Comptroller Launlia Archibald read the New Testament lesson.

Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas made remarks to the congregation highlighting the relevance of the theme to the present day realities of St. Kitts and Nevis and our place in the global community.

Using the day’s theme as a catalyst for national awareness Prime Minister Douglas admonished the worshippers all to “see our societal borders for what they are – fleeting and temporary distinctions that can in no way compare with the bonds that have brought us this far.”

Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, officiating priest of the day’s service, charged the congregation to lead “Purpose Driven” lives.

The celebrations continued with a luncheon at the Award Winning Spice Mill Restaurant, Cockleshell Bay.

International Customs Day is celebrated annually on January 26 under the direction of the World Customs Organisation which is based in Brussels, Belgium.