Implementation of several components is progressing well. These components include:
1. ASYCUDA Implementation at the Customs Department.
On April 16 2012, the Declaration, Selectivity and Accounting Module of the ASYCUDA World System was launched at St. George’s Port. Roll out of the system will be subsequently carried out at the other Ports in Grenada. Arrangements are being made to launch this module in Carriacou in early June 2012.
It therefore means that the process of clearing goods at the Customs Department can be done more efficiently. The Department continues to provide assistance to Stakeholders to effectively use the system.
2. Customer Service Training and Training Needs Assessment at the Customs and Excise Department
The staff of the Customs and Excise Division are more conscious of the important role that excellent customer service plays in attaining successful performance. To support this activity the Division recently concluded a Customer Service Consultancy during the period December 2010 to April 2012. All levels of staff at the Division were exposed to and benefitted from the Training and a select group was trained to provide continuous training and monitoring of the service provided.
3. Establishment of a Planning Unit within the Inland Revenue Department
The Inland Revenue Division benefitted from a Consultancy for the establishment of a Planning Unit within the Division. The consultancy was conducted during the period October 2011 – April 2012. This involved the creation of a Planning and Monitoring Unit and Development of an Organizational Chart along with defined job descriptions and functions.
Identified members of staff have received training and the implementation of the recommendations for the Unit has commenced.
4. Development of a Trade Portal at the Ministry of Environment and Trade
The firm Digital Business Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago continues to work on the Design and Development a Trade Information Portal for the Ministry of Trade. The Prototype of the Trade Portal was reviewed by Trade Officers and key stakeholders and has been finalized. Trade Officers, manufacturers and potential exporters were trained to maintain and utilize the facility. Seven (7) computers are being procured and will be strategically located throughout Grenada and Carriacou for use by manufacturers and exporters who do not have access to computers and internet services. The Division plans to officially launch the Portal/Website soon.
5. Implementation of an Investment Promotion Strategy
The Grenada Industrial Development Corporation officially launched the Grenada National Investment Generation Strategy and the rebranding of the entity on 26 April 2012. The strategy listed a subset of transformational sectors for the enhancement of Government’s overall economic development. The areas are:
i) Tourism and Hospitality
ii) Health/Education and Wellness Services
iii) Agribusiness
iv) Information and Communication Technology
v) Energy Development
The objective of the Strategy is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment generation system by creating conditions geared towards increasing the attractiveness of the target sectors.