Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government will allocate $1 million in next year’s national budget to recruit and train private citizens as validation officers to strengthen oversight and curb theft within the Customs Department.
The move comes amid what Browne described as “endemic corruption and widespread leakage” within the system, which he said has cost the country millions in lost revenue and undermined public trust.
Under the new initiative, independent validation officers will be stationed to spot-check containers and monitor import verification procedures, ensuring that goods cleared at the ports are accurately declared and assessed.
The officers will not be regular public servants but specially contracted civilians.
At last, some real action! For years people have been complaining about the leaks and shady dealings at Customs. If this plan is managed right with honest, independent validation officers it could finally plug the holes and bring some order.
Still, $1 million is a big spend, so let’s hope it’s not just talk and training sessions. We need results: accountability, audits, and people actually being held responsible.
Sounds like a scam in and of itself.
Dem say validation officers coming but watch how some a dem go start flex big after two months. Antigua sweet fi dat.
Pick me pick me. the public sector is already bloated hope they pick people from there oppose to hiring other people to do the job. Just so you know private citizens have their agenda too
Oh please! Now? You knew for years that there was corruption and illegality at the port. That merchants were bypassing paying their fair share of import duties and taxes. Is it a case where you don’t want to upset the apple cart?
You have no credibility, sir,and now that you’re neck deep in “vehicle gate,” you think you can talk your way out of it.
Pay attention folks. He promised security cameras; where are they? YIDA was supposed to bring millions; economic powerhouse; just give me a break with this clown.
Most of the entities involved fall under you. You can’t feign ignorance here. Wheel and come again.
All them validation officers better not be people cousin and friend. Antigua small, everybody know everybody. Make sure it clean.
If Gaston really want to stop corruption, start locking up some people. Me tired see dem just transfer and promote dem
Who can I speak to concerning stolen item/ s from barrel at port. When I got there to get my barrel the locked was pound open and when unpacked home, item missing