Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has introduced measures to facilitate the promotion of customs officers who have not yet met the ‘benchmark qualifications.’ In a recent statement to the media, he announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved special negotiations to enhance upward mobility within the Customs & Excise Department.
PM Pierre acknowledged the ongoing issue related to the Benchmark Qualifications that customs officers needed to achieve before being eligible for promotion. Upon assuming office, he assured customs officers that their status would be regularized. The challenge arose because the Benchmark Qualifications were implemented while several officers were already working, leaving them unable to be promoted due to not meeting these requirements.
To address this matter, a committee was formed, and a consultant was hired to collaborate with the Ministry of the Public Service. As a result of the Cabinet’s approval, officers who previously couldn’t be promoted due to the lack of benchmark qualifications will now have the opportunity to do so.
Starting this July, the Public Service Commission will recognize equivalent qualifications that meet the Benchmark Requirements for customs officers, ranging from Grade 3 (Assistant Customs Officers #1) up to Grade 16. For instance, a Grade 3 officer with a Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) or five years of relevant professional experience as a customs officer will qualify for promotion.
Additionally, exceptional performance appraisals and successful completion of a Systems Officer basic course will make an individual eligible for promotion.
This issue will also be addressed by officers from the Royal St Lucia Police Force [RSLPF] and employees from the Inland Revenue Department.