The Comptroller of Customs John Rolle is admitting that some Customs officers have adopted fraudulent and corrupt practices.
For years, the Customs Department has had to deal with many Bahamians doctoring customs declaration invoices in a fervent attempt to avoid paying customs duties.
And though discouraging, it is a problem that, according to some, will perhaps be with us forever.
Appearing as a guest on Love 97’s radio talk show, “Issues of the Day,” Mr. Rolle said while there are some members of his team that he is exceptionally proud of, the same cannot be said for others.
“It’s sad to say, but there have been incidences reported whereby a customer officer has influenced some people not to make a proper declaration as they pass through the airport,” Mr. Rolle said.
According to the Comptroller, at least two of his officers have appeared before the court following their alleged involvement in “illegal activities.”
Even two, he indicated, are two too many, a situation he is determined to resolve once and for all.
“We are trying to utilize whatever means we have available to weed out and discover fraud and corruption, because if there is even one corrupt customs officer, this poses a problem for our entire department,” Mr. Rolle said.
Just last year, both the Royal Bahamas Defense and Police Forces came under fire after it was discovered that a number of corrupt officers served in both departments.
During a meeting with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials in Miami, Florida two months ago, Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson revealed that among the five Bahamians arraigned before the courts on charges related to a major drug smuggling ring, was a police officer.
According to the Commissioner however, such persons will be taken down “one by one” and placed before the courts “where they rightly belong.”
But according to Mr. Rolle, corruption goes beyond the commonplace idea of simply accepting bribes – some people are willing to sit back in anticipation for an inducement in exchange for a speedy clearance of your goods.
“Corruption is not only that you may receive an advantage at that time, but also at a later date as well,” he said. “Likewise, it includes some of us who are in the position to use the logic that because I’m the boss, you have to follow my instructions, instructions which are often not connected to that office.”
Mr. Rolle added that it is particularly due in part to such problems that the international customs community has hosted at least two forums in Europe in an attempt to improve customs integrity.
“During this time, it is explained that when you move from culture to culture, tipping may be accepted in some areas, but in some cases, you cannot even speak to the officers, except you are asked to respond to a question,” the Comptroller pointed out.
While the Customs Department does not have a permanent Complaint Unit, Mr. Rolle is encouraging persons with complaints to forward their remarks directly to the Comptroller.
By Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
