Mr. Wade N. Smith has been appointed as Commissioner of Customs in the Virgin Islands.
Mr. Smith’s appointment takes effect on August 7 following approval by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J.U. Jaspert in accordance with section 92(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution, and on the advice of the Public Service Commission.
As Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Smith will plan and direct the operations of the Customs Department to administer and ensure compliance with Customs laws. He will manage the human, financial and other resources allocated to the department and will monitor marine traffic in the Virgin Islands, while liaising with other enforcement bodies to ensure the prohibition of controlled substances.
Mr. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, having previously served as the Commissioner of Customs from 2003 to 2018. During that tenure, some of his notable achievements included the development of initiatives to improve border security in the fight against human, weapons, bulk cash smuggling and commercial fraud.
He spearheaded the development of the first K-9 Unit in the Territory, implementation of the Customs Automated Processing System; the pre-arrival notification system, E-Sail Clear; Member States K-9 and Marine Units; coordination of security detail for past US Presidents, world leaders and their families; and the strengthening of marine capabilities.
Mr. Smith has served as a member of the High Intensity Drug Traffic Agency(HIDTA); Caribbean Law Enforcement Intelligence Council (CLEIC); Chairman of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC); Joint Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Advisory Committee; Chairman of the National Intelligence Committee and National Intelligence Coordinating and Tasking Group.
Her Majesty’s Customs seeks to serve Government and the public with professionalism, fairness and integrity by, providing quality service, maximising the collection of revenue, protecting Territorial borders and facilitating legitimate trade efficiently, effectively and economically in order to safeguard the well-being and security of the Territory.
