Happy Independence Day Message

Mr. Selwyn DaSilva – Comptroller of Customs and Excise

Published Mon Oct 26, 2026

Fellow Vincentians,

This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation,” reminds us that national progress depends on our willingness to work together. Independence carries both the privilege of determining our destiny and the responsibility of preparing our country for the future.

For Customs and Excise, that responsibility includes embracing digital transformation to strengthen border protection, safeguard revenue, and make legitimate trade easier.

Our journey is already taking shape. The introduction of electronic payments and the launch of ASYCUDA World 4.4.0 have advanced our transition towards paperless processing. These developments provide a stronger foundation for accessible, transparent and efficient Customs services.

Through the Vincy Single Window for Trade, VSWIFT, we are also advancing greater coordination among the agencies involved in cross-border trade. The development of electronic services, including the Electronic Certificate of Origin, represents another important step towards a more connected trading environment.

The value of these changes must be felt in the everyday experiences of the people we serve: an importer spending less time completing formalities; an exporter accessing markets with greater confidence; a small business navigating clearer procedures; and an officer equipped to make timely, informed decisions. Our ambition must be to ensure that the benefits of modernisation reach businesses and citizens throughout our multi-island nation.

I commend our officers and staff for their service and adaptability. I also thank our partner agencies, brokers, importers, exporters, shipping agents and development partners for their contribution to this shared undertaking. As we celebrate our national achievements, let us renew our commitment to building institutions capable of serving the next generation. The decisions we make today must create greater opportunities for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, workers and families.

Hand in hand, let us build a Customs administration that supports a secure, resilient and prosperous Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Selwyn DaSilva Comptroller of Customs