Sixteen officers of Her Majesty’s Customs Department are receiving training from and sharing information with a team of French Consular Miami Fla. and French Customs officials over the next four days.

The session, which began yesterday (Tuesday, 25 November 2014) at Customs Headquarters, offers the Cayman Islands’ senior and their subordinate officers theoretical and practical experience concerning local and international customs operational techniques, Training Manager, Mr. Langlie Powery said.

Deputy French Customs Attaché for the US, Mr. Rodolphe Gautreau, who is stationed in Miami, as well as Customs Officers, Mr. Sebastien Messy from La Rochelle, France, and Mr. Gregory Branzi from Guadeloupe are the trainers.

Thanking the French officers, Collector of Customs, Ms Samantha Bennett commented, “I am delighted that our officers can get the benefit of French Customs’ expertise, as well as gaining a new perspective on Customs operations worldwide that can add to our knowledge and enhance our skills.”

In response, Mr. Gautreau commented, “We are very pleased to be in the Cayman Islands to share our knowledge and techniques about a number of Customs operations with officers here. This meets a common goal of all Customs officers, which is to ensure that nefarious activities are curtailed and the rule of law is upheld.”

Topics cover information and techniques to combat the smuggling of drugs, firearms and other contraband.

Photo caption: Photo by Bina Mani

Senior Customs staff led by Collector Samantha Bennett (centre) with training team from France, led by Deputy French Customs Attaché for the US Rodolphe Gautreau; l-r: Senior Customs Officer (K9 unit) Mr. Malachi Powery who is one of 16 trainees; Deputy Collectors Mr. Marlon Bodden (Enforcement), and Mr. Collie Powery (Operations); Mr. Gautreau; Mrs. Bennett; Customs Officer from La Rochelle, France, Mr. Sebastien Messy; Deputy Collector (Operations) Mrs. Emalie Wilks; Customs Officer from Gaudaloupe, Mr. Gregory Branzi and Customs Training Manager, Mr. Langlie Powery