Commissioner of Customs Wade Smith has assured that the Department remains focus to main its integrity, transparency and accountability to the VI.

The school visits is one of the annual events during Customs Week put on by the department to sensitise the public on what it does.

Three of its officers, Roberto Harrigan, Linda Todman-Huggins and Clarence Fahie have had running with the law during the latter part of 2011.

Harrigan, who was a primary handler within the K-9 Unit, was among four men arrested in August 2011 following investigations into a drug ring which he is alleged to be part of. His extradition hearing in the matter which can see him being extradited to the United States to face charges, is scheduled for February 2012.

Meanwhile, Todman-Huggins is currently serving a two year sentence after pleading guilty before the court for taking payments allegedly from Harrigan to ensure two suitcases, allegedly containing drugs or cash, to have cleared the airport where she was working at the time.

Fahie was charged with breach of trust for allegedly stamping 13 Brazilians’ passports in October 2011.

“We have a number of internal controls that we have put in place to ensure transparency, accountability and also integrity,” Mr. Smith told this news site.

In addition, he disclosed that the department will be conducting integrity trainings throughout the year, to keep the officers informed and various speakers throughout the government services will be conducting different segments of the training including those from the Director of Public Prosecution's office, Attorney General's Chambers, and the Human Resources Department.

Is it regards its public image, the Commissioner of Customs said over the years the public has always been supportive of the department and nothing has changed.

“We still receive a lot of tips and support in terms of fighting illicit activities and transnational crimes. We also still receive corporation from our international colleagues as well as our local colleagues and will continue to do our outreach seminars,” he assured noting that in the past the department has always done its best through symposiums, trade facilitation seminars, harmonise system seminars and other trainings to enhance the customer experience with the department.

The department also has several other training programmes planned for the year and is striving to continue to ensure the public is kept informed every step of the way.

As part of the week of activities for Customs Week which was celebrated from January 21 through January 28, the department conducted its regular school visits, held a church service and social night.

To officially end the week’s event, the auspicious Customs’ Ball which should have normally been held on January 28, had to be postponed due to several events being held the same time. However, the date February 25, 2012 is set aside for the grand event where Cool Session Brass, the Razor Bladez and DJ Bertrum will be entertaining at Prospect Reef.

Customs Week was held under the theme: Borders Divide, Customs Connects Through Compliance.