Belize Joins World Celebrating International Customs Day

Today, the Belize Customs and Excise Department hosted an information fair at the Battlefield Park in Belize City in observation of International Customs Day. The event included displays from partners like the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize Port Authority, Statistical Institute of Belize and others. In recognizing the frontline role her customs officers play in protecting the country’s borders and economy, Comptroller Estella Bailey-Leslie is paying special tribute to twenty customs officers who have provided exemplary service. Here in Belize, customs officials say last year alone intercepted thousands of undeclared and prohibited items while collecting millions of dollars in government revenue. This year’s theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” highlights that ongoing responsibility. Here is Comptroller Estella Bailey-Leslie on how the Customs and Excise Department continues to safeguard the Belizean society.

 

Estella Bailey-Leslie, Comptroller, Customs and Excise Department

“The Customs and Excise Department has long been recognized as the authority for the collection and safeguarding of Belize’s revenue. As presented in our revenue reporting and analysis, this past year the department facilitated legitimate trade effectively and efficiently through the processing of tens of thousands of import and export declarations and exceeded projections in customs and tax revenue collection. But beyond revenue collection, the custom and excise department plays a key role in fostering safety and security of our people and country. Our officers are required to be watchful against increasingly sophisticated threats such as illicit drugs and firearm, unsafe and counterfeit goods and complex financial schemes. A special recognition to our twenty staff members who will be receiving the World Customs Organizations’ Award of Merit for exemplary service this year. Congratulations and may this achievement encourage you to continue to strive for excellence in both personal and professional endeavors and inspired others to do the same.”

 

And as customs marks International Customs Day, the department says its work goes far beyond collecting revenue, it’s about vigilance, security, and protecting Belizeans every single day. With twenty officers being honored for exemplary service, Comptroller Estella Bailey‑Leslie says the commitment to safeguarding our borders and our economy remains as strong as ever.