Don't Give In To Customs Officers, Consumer Group Urges Government

Consumer group Shoppers Sans Frontiers is urging the Government not to give in to disgruntled customs officers after the latter issued a 21-day strike notice earlier this week_i

Asked whether it was reasonable for Government to be using part-time staff to man the arrivals booths at the airport instead of paying overtime to regular workers, group spokesperson Becky Bloomwood was unrepentant. “Hell, yes, it’s an excellent idea. We support any move that might reduce the efficiency with which customs revenues are collected. Bermudians’ rights to free trade have long been violated by the need to pay customs duties. The greater the chance of Bermudians being able to sneak their purchases through undetected, the better.”

“We’ve been pressuring the Government for years to be more responsive to the needs of Bermuda’s shoppers,” continued Ms. Bloomwood. “As a result of our lobbying, the Transport Minister recently established low-cost flights with the United States to make it easier for Bermuda’s shoppers to buy the goods they need at a reasonable price. Finding a way to convince the customs officers to abandon their posts was the next logical step.”

“It’s still awfully expensive for Bermudians to shop abroad, you know,” said Ms. Bloomwood. “Not only do they have to pay for the airfare and the hotel while they’re there, but then we hit them with duty when the return home. We’re glad that the Government finally seems to be cracking down on this practice.”

Ms. Bloomwood was unconcerned that any failure to collect duty on imported items might lead to a reduction in Government revenue and a consequent increase in other taxes. “I don’t think you’ll see that happen,” she laughed. “Remember, the Government still has thousands of dollars in unpaid parking fines that they could collect if they really needed the cash.”