Customs representatives from twelve Caribbean nations met in the Dominican Republic to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance human resource development, improve border security, and expand the exchange of customs information.
The gathering, held this week, was part of the Executive Committee and working group meetings of the Caribbean Council for the Application of Customs Laws (CCALA/CCLEC), which includes English-, French-, and Dutch-speaking customs administrations, as well as the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Dominican Customs Director Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón emphasized the government’s support for ratifying the 2019 agreement signed in Cuba, which would transform CCLEC into the Caribbean Customs Organization. The agreement requires approval from at least ten member states.
During the meeting, members reviewed past actions and future plans related to regional intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity building, and information sharing—key tools for combating smuggling and other transnational crimes.
Led by CCLEC President Roderick Lionel Croes and Permanent Secretary Claude Paul, the event underscored the importance of coordinated customs efforts for regional security and economic stability.
Participants included officials from Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, the Netherlands, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and the Dominican Republic. (CMC)
