SRC’s Customs Division marks International Customs Day   |27 January 2024

Members of the technical committee after receiving their terms of reference

The Customs Division of the Seychelles Revenue Commission has recognised stakeholders and partners for their continued commitment and engagement with the division as well as maintaining compliance. They received a merit certificate bestowed by World Customs Organisation (WCO).

This recognition was also awarded to a group of customs staff in recognition of their continuous commitment, devotion and outstanding performance.

The brief ceremony which coincided with International Customs Day yesterday, January 26, took place at the STC conference room. The date is a special one set aside to honour customs officers across the world.

This year’s theme chosen by World Customs Organisation (WCO) was ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose’.

When addressing the crowd, Paul Barrack, the Commissioner for Customs, thanked the officials and commended them for their efforts to combat commercial fraud activities, intercept drugs and other contraband.

“Your hard work and dedication are contributing immensely towards the improvement of the effectiveness of custom operation.”

Fifteen of them received the certificate of merit bestowed by WCO namely Coreen Hoareau, Chantal Youngman, Marie-Paule Agricole, Sharon Antat, Marie-Stella Riaze, Danielle Rose, Gilberte Bristol, Jean-Adette Morel, Danielle Camille, Tania Nourrice, Valencia Albert, Catherina Lucas, Karen Accouche, Kirsty Lesperance and Annie Denise.

The stakeholders which received the WCO certificate of merit were Land Marine, Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, Seychelles Postal Services, Sole Logistics and Clynns Clearing.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Wayne Marianne, a clearing agent from Sole Logistics, explained their job facilitates custom’s process and allows SRC to better process their imports and exports.

“Our job as cleaning agents is to facilitate the lives of Seychellois citizens who are both importing and exporting things,” said Mr Marianne.

The second part of the ceremony was to thank the Customs officers with the longest years of service and those were Rene Charlette, Bernard Bristol , Kelvin Didon with 26 years, Diana Belle with 36 years and Winsia Pool with 44 years.

In line with the theme ‘Engaging with a Purpose’, there was also a special award presented to the staff who served as the longest director within the Customs Division and this went to Cindy Blakemore who joined SRC in 1999.

She moved to the Customs Division in 2007 and throughout her 16 years of service worked within several units in Customs namely Airport Cargo, Seaport Examination, Government Warehouse, Entry Processing and finally Inland Revenue where she is currently.

In an interview with Seychelles NATION Mrs Blakemore said she was very happy to have served for so many years.

She thanked SRC for recognising its employees in the division pointing out that customs is a very crucial job, as it ensures the country was protected from illegal activities and any forms of threat.

“As a Seychellois I am very proud to help bring development to customs and our country in general,” said Mrs Blackmore.

SRC has also launched a new technical committee comprising of key members from the Customs Division. As part of the event they received their terms of reference from the Acting Commissioner General of SRC, Fred Morel.

There was also a cutting of cake by representatives from SRC, with a vote of thanks from Mr Morel.

The audience also enjoyed live entertainment by the SRC customs band, which concluded the ceremony with a gospel.

Anika Cathene & Kassey Govinden

Photos by Kurtrine Albert