FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Celebrating its 109th year during the month of March, the Department of Customs in Grand Bahama will hold commemorative events March 12 to 18 under the World Customs Organization's 2023 theme, 'Nurturing the Next Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-Sharing and Professional Pride in Customs.'

Starting their celebrations off with a church service on Sunday, March 12 at St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Smith’s Point, the Department will honour 14 older, living, former Customs Officers. The honourees are Bernie Davis, Forrester Carroll, Llewelyn Parker, Merril Dorsett, Eloise Deveaux, Henderson Smith, Douglas Ewing, Wheatley Russell, Anthony Adderley, Hildred Clarke, Errol Smith, Arnold Simms, Philip Sherman, and Henrietta Rolle.

Other activities in recognition of the anniversary will continue on Monday, March 13, when staff will distribute pamphlets at major roundabouts.  Happy Birthday Bahamas Customs T-Shirt and Visitation Day will be held when they visit Raybertha’s Senior Citizens Centre.  A fun evening is planned for Friday at Goombay Land, and the week of activities will close with a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday.

Governed by the Customs Management Act 2011, the Department of Customs was created to collect duties, fees, and penalties on imported items into the country.  Officers are also charged with the duty of interdicting and seizing narcotics, illegal firearms, and illegal drugs.