For the first time in history: Gbalamuya joins celebrate 62nd World Customs day
Sierra Leone, being part of 179 Customs Administrations across the globe, saw the people of Gbalamuya, in the north-west part of Sierra Leone, joined the rest of the world for the first time; celebrate the “62nd World Customs Day” in a strange style.
This year’s theme is “Communication: sharing information for better co-operation”. It is equally celebrated by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) in the capital of Freetown, Lungi and Gbalamuya respectively.
Few speakers on behalf of charter-men and drivers, who regularly travel through the border, complained of high customs tariff. They appealed for some reasonable considerations by the authorities, or else; drivers and Charter-men will continue to use the porous bypasses through the brushes, the speaker softly threatened.
Part of the Guinean contingent was a Guinean Major in the Army-Fofanah (in photo). In his statement, he appealed to people of the two countries to share timely information to relevant authorities on either sides for what he called, national success and stability. The Major further registered his disappointment over the arrest of a vehicle he claimed to be his. He said, it was arrested by officials of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) at the border, barely three months ago, and has done all he could, to seek its release, yet, to no avail. “If I arrest a vehicle owned by a Sierra Leonean in Guinea, it is unlawful for me to keep it in Guinea, without sending it back to the Sierra Leonean side for investigation, and the same must apply to the Guineans, the Major narrated.
District Officer for Kambia District- Mr. Alfred Lahai, admonished the gathering that; all transport stakeholders, the security, law enforcers and the National Revenue Authority officials (NRA),all have equal responsibilities, challenges and obligations to meet, even though traders he said, do not often want to pay tax. He condemned smuggling as development threat to any country. He added that, smuggling is one of the most disturbing activity affecting/hindering security and smooth revenue generation within the border vicinity of Kambia (Gbalamuya). He expressed regret over the Major’s vehicle complain and promised a diplomatic settlement into the matter.
The District Officer noted that; regardless sensitizations, Commercial motor bike riders specifically within the border vicinity, massively aid and abet smugglers. They also ferry illegal immigrants into the country for want of money, without knowing their identity, he admonished. He strongly commended the hard female Collector for her genuine and citizenry stout stance for revenue collection.
Host Paramount Chief of Gbilen Dixon Chiefdom, P.C. Alimamy Fabeh Konkodioko Kondogbala !!, registered dissatisfactions on behalf of his subjects over what he referred to as, the bulk of negligence on his Chiefdom and its authorities by existing institutions and organizations operating within that Chiefdom. As hosts, we are unhappy with such unfair treatment, he said. “We are never considered, nor consulted in what so ever undertakings, he stressed”. Smuggling can be seriously tackled wherein, our locals are incorporated or employed, the dissatisfied Paramount Chief averred.
In her brief remarks and responses to stakeholders’ statements, observations and appeals, the Customs Collector for Gbalamuya- Mrs. Hannah Jalloh, commended all for attendance, comments and views. She promised to regularize more meetings with stakeholders with regards; some of their dissatisfactions and the way forward to cub smuggling and lawlessness within that area.
Collector Jalloh reminded attendants and transport stakeholders on the importance of the Customs. She said this year’s theme, must bring all onboard for free flow of information and communication.
Customs does not only collect monies for government. It also serves as agents for other departments in the assessment of quality and standards of incoming /outgoing goods, foods etc. The Collector also schooled the gathering on some challenges faced by Customs. As bread basket for national development agendas, our set target is trillions instead of billions; as it used to be in the past. This is because; most of the development undertakings are being carried out by our central government.
She further schooled that any individual who crosses a country border for business is as equal as he who goes to Dubai or China, and must have prepared to pay customs dues. In most cases she averred; most people would want to beat or cheat the system. Thank God the ASYCUDA is here and staff has been on intensified training.
The Collector also schooled on what she referred to as “country of origin”. This is a stage where goods/items are valued and billed by their original countries of made or product, not in any case of purchase. “Local goods can be valued as they are” she revealed.
Collector Jalloh expressed regrets over the Paramount Chief’s presentation/appeal for employment of his local people. The Customs she responded; does not directly employ a staff, apart from the umbrella body, the NRA in the capital of Freetown. So far, In our usual reports to the head office in Freetown, “I will pass on your messages and appeals for reduction of tariffs”, but there is nothing I can singularly do that, she softly appealed.
To the Guinean Army’s side of vehicle complain, the Collector said the vehicle was actually trapped smuggling some few months ago. Actions have be taken on other clamped vehicles, leaving the Army’s vehicle parked at the Gbalamuya Customs. In that regards she added; I have severely pleaded with my authorities in Freetown considering the two countries’ ties, the Collector continues. She affirmed that a condition for what she called “penalty” has yet never been met by the Major. “We are looking forward to him for at least payment by installment, rather than the country looses all in the name of smuggling” she concluded.
Contributions from attendants climaxed the occasion. Guest speaker was Mr. M.S Kebbe. He commended the Collector, staff and other related authorities at the Customs for their services, but strongly condemned what many saw as indirect threats by Charter-men on behalf of drivers to continue with smuggling if Customs tariffs remain high. Welcome address was done by Customs’ PSSD-Abu Bakarr Kamara aka A.B.K, and vote of thanks done by NRA’s Akmed S. Karim. He said, it’s a blessing for the first ever Customs celebrations at Gbalamuya. He prayed for continuation of the celebrations better hope of the natives.
By Alie Mozart Sesay
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