One week to go before Christmas and there is a shortage of customs officers at the Port, this is unacceptable!
This is the view of President of Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce Kiran Singh.
Reports state that there is a backlog at ports of entry due to the shortage of customs officers.
Courier companies are reportedly worried that some of their customers, even those who heeded their warning and ordered their online gifts early, will be empty-handed come December 25—Christmas Day.
Guardian Media reports that the alleged unprecedented delays were a result of changes in operations at the Customs and Excise Level.
The reports states that the old protocol had one Customs Examination Officer assigned per shipment but now two officers are tasked with that job.
To compound issues there are inadequate staff during this peak season and instead of spot checks, officers are now insisting that every package in every shipment be opened, examined and closed.
Speaking with News Power Now this morning, South Chamber President Singh said that the situation is unacceptable.
There are also reports that Customs and Excise Officers have already made it clear that they will not be working the weekend before Christmas.
Singh maintained the need for the port to be operational on a 24 hour basis.