Will Customs make the move to the BRA from October 1?

WILL there be further delays in bringing the Customs and Excise Department under the Barbados revenue Authority (BRA)?

 

The date for the Customs and Excise Department to come under the BRA had been set for the beginning of October.

 

However, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) said that it is still negotiating with a number of matters that must be addressed before finalising terms and conditions of service with the BRA.

 

As such the union is advising officers of the Department not to sign any option forms until the issues are resolved.

 

The NUPW indicated that there are a number of vacancies of customs Officer 1 and 11 that are yet to be filled. Therefore, the process of making appointments to those positions has not yet been completed.

 

It also cited other matters to be addressed.

 

These include the provision of an organisational structure under the BRA, job description that reflect Customs and Excise functions, qualifications consistent with the duties of Customs Officer, maintaining the job title of Custom Officer, and generally ensuring that all matters relating to terms and conditions of service are completed.

 

Bringing that Department under the BRA has proven to be problematic given the long delays including negotiations and work stoppages that have held up the process.