Customs gives Fin. Sec. Harris a noble send off

Guests of Honour, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janet Harris and Mrs. Gaston Harris at the Customs and Excise gala event.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle presents gift to Mrs. Harris.

Mrs. Harris gives expressions of appreciation.

Financial Secretary, Mr. Janet Harris and husband Mr. Gaston Harris were the guests of honour at a gala evening at the Marshall’s Restaurant Frigate, which was hosted by the Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rodney Harris on Friday, October 5, in celebration of Mrs. Harris’ years of dedicated partnership in the advancement of the Customs and Excise Department.

The dinner event which was held under the theme; “Celebrating her Achievements. Seeing her off to Achieve More.”, gave the entire Department the distinguished opportunity to formally recognise Harris’ contribution to the exponential growth of Customs and Excise under her watch.

Comptroller Rodney Harris, along with the heads of other departments in the Ministry of Finance and Customs employees, praised Secretary Harris for her dedication, her focus, and the passion with which she faithfully discharged her duties.

Tributes were made on behalf of the every level of the Department – Junior Officers, represented by Mr. Damian Walters, COII; Customs Officers Grade III represented by Mr. Corey Rodney; Customs Officers Grade IV represented by Miss Donna DeSilva; the Office of the Comptroller represented by Miss Sharline Halliday, COIII; and Assistant Comptrollers represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Theodore Brown.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle gave a moving presentation on Mrs. Harris’ strength and character and spoke with pride about the productive working relationship which he was able to build with the outgoing Financial Secretary.

Comptroller Harris thanked Mrs. Harris for her inspiration and vision and praised her for her commitment to excellence and her virtues.

Also in attendance was Minister of Finance, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Denzil Douglas, who thanked Mrs. Harris for the vision with which she led and the reliability with which she served her nation. Prime Minister Douglas expressed his highest confidence in Mrs. Harris’ ability to excel in her future endeavours.

Secretary Harris gave profound expressions of thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of appreciation and commendation that were expressed. Mrs. Harris said it was her sincere pleasure to have worked with a talented and focused team like that at Customs and Excise. She also thanked her husband, Mr. Gaston Harris and family for their love and support.

Mrs. Harris leaves the position of Financial Secretary after six years to take up the post of (and being the first female) Alternate Governor at the Washington DC-based World Bank.