Bahamas Customs has launched a six-month training programme for 92 new recruits and persons transferring from other government agencies.

The department’s cohort includes 74 recruits, 12 public servants undergoing reclassification, and six customs guards. Over the next six months, they will receive training on applicable laws, including the Customs Act, the Tariff Act and the Excise Act.

Participants will also be trained in contraband detection, focusing on arms, ammunition and illegal drugs, as well as cross-trained in areas relating to agriculture, Immigration and tourism. The training programme’s opening ceremony was held at Customs’ headquarters on University Drive on Monday.

Among those in attendance were Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs; Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary; Janice Miller, the ministry’s permanent secretary; Ralph Munroe, the Comptroller of Customs; assistant comptroller, Larry Bodie; deputy comptroller, Cloretta Gomez; and under-secretary at Bahamas Customs, Nicola Andrews. Amy McKenzie, cashier at Bahamas Customs, served as mistress of ceremonies.

“You have been selected from a long list of hundreds of applicants, so embrace this opportunity to serve your country,” Mr Halkitis told the recruits. “Remember, one of the requirements was a reference letter from a teacher, mentor, pastor or relative. These individuals put their reputations on the line for you; please do not let them down.”

Mr Wilson said that while Customs’ workforce has undergone a major expansion in recent years, additional manpower is still needed. “Revenue collection is not limited to New Providence,” he said. “This training is a first step toward ensuring we have the resources to effectively cover the entire country.”

Mr Munroe added: “Our goal is to be good stewards of the Bahamian people. It is important that you use your knowledge ethically and responsibly in service to the nation.”

Customs duties account for more than 50 per cent of government revenues, with significant collections not only at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) but also from sources such as fuel taxes on gasoline, diesel and propane.

The Bahamas Customs and Excise Department also collects revenues and carries out duties on behalf of other government agencies, with officers often assisting in Immigration matters on remote islands.