Customs issue to be settled soon

GOVERNMENT has taken a decision to legislate the transition of the Customs and Excise Department into the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA).

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, said that Government wants to move expeditiously in bringing that matter to completion.

He told the sitting that trade unions have been informed about the proposed action.

Sinckler was at the time speaking during the Appropriations Bill which went before the House.

According to the Minister, the unions had issues relative to the appointments of the workers at the Customs Department, as well as one relating to pensions along with other issues. However, he said that none of the workers will lose their pensions.

“I can inform the House (of Assembly) that the Personnel Administration Division during consultations and collaboration with the Ministry of the Civil Service and the Public Service Commission have been moving to get positions filled at the Customs,” Sinckler said.

He also stated it was to ensure that those public officers can get their appointments. He pointed out that his understanding is that they have started the interview process for Customs officers at various levels, and for clerical officers as well.

The Minister indicated also that Government’s hope is that of the 300-odd persons working there, substantially all of them should be able to receive an appointment.

“For those who may be too young in the service to qualify for appointments that they too can still get an appointment with the BRA when the transition is done,” he remarked.

The Minister said that he is happy to note that they are closing in to the end of this process. “Relative to the issue of pensions, I am also happy to report that the Accountant General, the Auditor General and the Solicitor General, working with the Ministry of Finance and Division of Finance and the Ministry of the Civil Service, have arrived at an arrangement that protects and securitises the pensions of all persons who are transitioning to the BRA,” he noted.

Sinckler added that the unions will be notified about what has been agreed, in the coming weeks, as is appropriate to do in the circumstances. (JB)