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On June 30, 2008 the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, participated in the official launch of Antigua and Barbuda’s new customs management system, which was implemented with the support of the hemispheric body.

The Customs Automated System (CASE) was originally developed, and successfully implemented, by the Government of Jamaica, and later donated to Antigua and Barbuda. Here, CASE has the potential to increase customs-related revenue collection by 30 per cent annually. It will also reduce the time it takes to clear goods arriving at the Port from several days to 24 hours, thereby significantly improving the country’s competitiveness.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Finance and Economy, Errol Cort, said that the successful implementation of the new system has brought the country to the forefront of customs management in the Caribbean region. Cort highlighted with deep appreciation the support of all institutions involved in making CASE Antigua and Barbuda a reality. “In addition to the Organization of American States and the Government of Jamaica, the people of Antigua and Barbuda appreciate the kind support of the Government of Canada through IDRC/ICA and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA-ACDI), as well as that of the Development Gateway Foundation and CARICAD,” he said.

The trade-related community of customs officers, brokers, importers and businessmen expressed profound satisfaction for the transparency and effectiveness that CASE will bring to customs operations in Antigua and Barbuda.

 For more information, visit: http://www.southfloridacaribbeannews.com/story.asp?ID=4070

Under agreement with OAS, Antigua-Barbuda gets automated Jamaican customs program 

2008-06-30

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