Walker

FORMER DIRECTOR of Elections Danville Walker is expected to be named commissioner of customs today, The Gleaner has been reliably informed.

Yesterday, Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw said a new commissioner would be announced today.

He was speaking during the Jamaica Civil Service Association's annual general meeting at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

Shaw said the present commissioner of customs, Hector Jones, retires today after 39 years of service at Customs.

"His departure will mean that we will have to look at a recalibration of how we manage the operations at Customs," the minister said while warning that there would be changes in the department.

Walker was forced to resign as director of elections on May 5 because he has an American citizenship.

The Constitution bars anyone who swears allegiance to a foreign power from being a director of elections, senator or member of parliament.

The restructuring of Customs is seen as part of Government's plans to increase revenue collection.

Shaw, in his contribution to the 2008-2009 Budget Debate, said that the Government planned to amend tax and customs laws to impose stiffer penalties on customs officials convicted of aiding and abetting tax evasion or fraud.