Considered the core of the trade facilitation platform, a port community system is a central data base which provides integration of all the activities among members of the port community. It allows for the full automation of the supply chain for cargo entering and leaving the country.

Henriques who was addressing members of the national steering committee during a debriefing session recently, commended the committee on the great legwork done for the establishment of the system, and advised that its implementation could be used as a benchmark and case study for the region.

Working beyond individuals

The trade facilitation platform he said, is a positive for Jamaica and needs to be a part of a broader trade facilitation framework, so that all (stakeholders) operate within the same parameters which will allow for growth. According to Henriques, "Those who are ready to move, should move as there is already competition for Jamaica for the establishment of such a system."

He highlighted that for the project to be successful, it has to work beyond individuals. In the first stage of the project, he noted that customs and its immediate inter-locators need to be on the same page.

Pointing out that the service will come at a cost to customers, Henriques said that the system should deliver in three main areas: efficiency, cost reduction and risk management.

Roger Hinds, president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) pointed out that the Association remains committed to working along with members of the national steering committee to ensure the manifestation of the trade facilitation platform as a private/public sector partnership.

Unique experience

"This is going to make a fundamental difference in how we do business in Jamaica, with respect to trade and shipping," Hinds said in reminding the committee members of their relevance to the success of the project.

He added, "This group has a critical role to play ... there are no blueprints for us, while there are blue prints for other existing trade facilitation platforms, the Jamaican experience is unique and we have to create something we can be proud of, one that will create a new engine of growth for this economy."

He added that during the implementation stage of the project, he hoped that Fiscal Services Limited will monitor the progress to ensure system compatibility and standards are maintained.

Phase one

Henriques visited the island during the period July 27-31, in response to a request for technical assistance sent by the SAJ and the Jamaica Customs Department with regards to the implementation of the port community system. The system will be the first phase of a wider trade facilitation platform to be implemented to enhance the efficiency and service standards of the entire trade logistics chain. The project, which is expected to be completed by December 2010, is part of the Government' s 2030 vision for Jamaica and is also referred to as "a single window" for trade.

During his visit, he met with stakeholders which included several government agencies, Fiscal Services Limited, Jamaica Customs, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Office of the Prime Minister, shipping agents, customs brokers, truckers, Jamaica Exporters' Association, Jamaica Trade and Invest, Caribbean Shipping Association, the Port Authority of Jamaica, and Kingston Wharves Limited.