Customs celebrates 125 years

 By ADRIAN MATHIAS

PAPUA New Guinea Customs celebrated 125 years of service in the country in Port Moresby last Thursday. 

It began on Sept 20, 1888.

Commissioner of Customs Ray Paul said the first two ports – Port Moresby and Alotau, in Milne Bay, – were subjected to checks and clearance by Customs.

Today, Customs was doing checks and clearances at 21 ports around the country, he said.

Ray believes that looking after its staff well was important as they would look after the system and service.

He said they were looking at border security, improving trade security, trade facilitation, revenue collection through duties and tax, 24-hour Customs access processing, legislation and training.

Finance Minister James Marape told staff and management that it was revenue from Customs that was keeping the nation going.

He told them the government would, in recognition of their efforts and contribution as a revenue collection agency, give them greater recognition through increased budget appropriation.