You are currently browsing the category archive for the ‘Grenada Customs’ category.
The National Ozone Unit (NOU) and the Energy Division (ED) of the Ministry of Finance and Energy extend condolences to the family of Mr. Sebastien Paul and members of staff of SP’s International Trading on the untimely death of Mr. Paul.
Mr. Paul has been an extremely close stakeholder to both the NOU and the ED, as the sole distributor of Natural Refrigerants in Grenada and as a supplier of Energy Efficient appliances. Mr. Paul and his company’s relationship goes back as far as November 2006 when he first introduced the Abro line of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants to local refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians. Subsequently, this refrigerant has been distributed to several other Caribbean countries. Hydrocarbon refrigerants are favoured over other refrigerants because of their negligible ozone depleting and zero global warming potentials as well as their higher energy efficiency.
SP’s International Trading has always been a very active participant in several of the Hydrocarbon Technology Retrofit Demonstrations held by the NOU and the Energy Efficiency Exhibitions held by the Energy Division to commemorate Energy Week in Grenada. The Company also worked very closely with the Grenada Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA) and has been a main supporter of their many activities
This is indeed a huge loss of a great man, with a generous heart.
Mr. Paul died on Friday March 3rd, 2017. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
National Ozone Unit Presents Award to Customs
St. George’s, Grenada, February 3rd, 2014: Grenada joined the rest of the international community that is affiliated to the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to celebrate World Customs Day on January 26th with a week of activities from January 26th to February 1st, 2014.
Among the many activities undertaken during the week of celebrations was an Award Ceremony on Saturday February 1st, 2014 at the Secret Harbor Mariner, L’Anse aux Epines, St. George’s. Several Customs Officers and Departments within the Customs Division were awarded for outstanding performances during the year 2103.
During the ceremony a Special Award (The Customs/NOU Award – for the Protection of the Ozone Layer), sponsored by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Energy Division of the Ministry of Finance, was presented to the Unit in the Customs Department that played the most significant role towards the protection of the Ozone Layer.
This Award aims to provide incentive and recognition to Customs and Enforcement officers, who succeed in preventing illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It also seeks to recognize the outstanding performance of customs and enforcement officers and their contributions towards environmental protection at the national level. It will also contribute to raising awareness about the Montreal Protocol and the national compliance strategy in line with the Montreal Protocol targets.
Over the years the NOU has conducted training for Customs and Enforcement Officers in the Control and Monitoring of Trade in ODS, ODS identification and Risk Management with respect to the trade in ODS. The NOU has also donated state of the art equipment to assist in detecting ozone depleting substances that are imported into the country.
The outstanding efforts of the Customs and Excise Department over the years has resulted in tremendous success to Grenada in the reduction in consumption (imports) and prevention of illegal trade in these ozone depleting chemicals. Data on national consumption levels in 2013, already indicates that the country is well on track to meeting its Montreal Protocol consumption targets.
This Special Award was presented to the Cargo Control Unit (CCU) at the St. George’s Port. The award was presented by Mr. Leslie Smith, National Ozone Officer and received by Mr. Shane Derby, Supervisor in charge of the Cargo Control Unit.
St. George’s Grenada: January 27th, 2014. Imani trainees participating in the two week Customs Officers orientation program organized by the Grenada Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance received training in the Control and Monitoring of Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
The sixteen trainees were exposed to a variety of topics related to Ozone Layer Protection and the roles and agency functions that customs officers have to perform as a major stakeholder in the prevention of illegal trade in ODS.
Among the many topics they were exposed to, included: ODS Classification and Identification, ODS Smuggling Techniques, Case Studies on Seizures and the National and International Response to Ozone layer Depletion through the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments.
This aspect of the training was presented by Mr. Gerard James. Mr. James has also been used by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Energy Division to train Customs Officers in the Prevention of Illegal Trade in ODS. The orientation programme ended on Friday January 24th, 2013 and is in preparation for a two year training assignment within the Customs and Excise Division for the participants.
Participants at the Workshop
Day 2
St. George’s, Grenada: November 28m 2013.
Day two of the workshop was equally impressive as day one with respect to the quality of the presentations and the lively interaction and participatory approach by the participants.
Day two focused primarily on: (1) ODS Classification presented by Mr. Gerard James, (2) Support Network and Mechanisms for Customs Officers presented by Dr. Ezra Clark, (3) Illegal Trade Prevention Network in the Caribbean, also by Mr. Gerard james. The last presentation on Identification of ODSs featured among other areas a practical demonstration in the use of refrigerant identifiers and leak detectors. This session was facilitated by Mr. Michael Mitchell of the Grenada Refrigeration, Ar-Condition and Ventilating Association (GRAVA).
The curtains came down on day 2 with an evaluation of the two days and the presentation of Certificates of Participation to the eight Customs Brokers who attended, since it was their final day at the workshop. Mr. Marco Pinzon of UNEP, ROLAC and Dr. Ezra Clark of UNEP OzonAction, Paris assisted with the presentation of the certificates.
Day one:
St. George’s Grenada: November 27, 2013.
Twenty three participants comprising of Customs Officers, Customs Brokers, National Ozone Officers and Bureau of Standards Officers attended Day One of the three day Regional Workshop on “Protecting Caribbean Borders from Illegal Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) held at the Flamboyant Hotel and Villas. Participants were drawn from ten countries of the English Speaking Caribbean and Haiti Ozone Network – Antigua and Barbuda (2), Belize (2), Dominica (2), Guyana (2), Jamaica (2), St. Lucia (1), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (2), Suriname (1), Trinidad and Tobago (3) and host Country Grenada (6).
During the opening ceremony remarks were delivered by Mr. Marco Pinzon of UNEP’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), Dr. Ezra Clarke from UNEP OzonAction Branch in Paris and Mr. Valentino Sawney, President of the Association of Grenada Customs Brokers Inc.
Several presentations were made on Day one: National Ozone Officer for Grenada, Mr. Leslie Smith presented on the Science of the Ozone Layer, Mr. Marco Pinzon presented on the International Response and the Impact of the Montreal Protocol. Dr. Ezra Clarke introduced the subject of Illegal Trade while Mr. Gerard James presented on the Roles of Stakeholders. The final presentation of the day which provided spirited interaction was done by Mr. Rene Parkes on Licensing Systems, ASYCUDA World and its Functionalities – The Grenada Case Study.
A very successful day completed and another waits….
To view pictures of Day 1, visit: https://www.facebook.com/nou.grenada
Ozone Depleting System (ODS) Import Quota System Takes Effect
Grenada, through the National Ozone Unit in the Energy Division of the Ministry of Finance has implemented further measures to control the importation of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). The first import control measure was implemented in the year 2006 when a licensing system was established for the importation of all refrigerants into the country. Refrigerants are the only known ODS consumed in Grenada. This licensing system was primarily responsible for Grenada being able to phase out the consumption of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), one of the most potent ODSs, four years ahead of the Montreal Protocol phase out target (2010).
Pursuant to Decision XIX/6 of the Meeting of the Parties in 2009 to accelerate the phase out of hydrochlorfluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030, additional measures have been implemented to achieve this target. As of January 01, 2013 a quota system has been implemented to further restrict the importation of all HCFC refrigerants into the country.
Under the Montreal Protocol obligations, Grenada and other developing countries are required to freeze consumption of all HCFC in 2013 at a baseline established on the average consumption for the years 2009, and 2010 and to reduce consumption by 10% in 2015. In this regard a number of over-arching strategies, supported by projects and activities have been developed into a strategic plan, referred to as the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP). This plan, which was launched in June 2011, outlines the country’s commitment to phase-out all HCFCs by the year 2030.
Thirteen (13) importers of HCFC refrigerants have been issued quotas for the year 2013. The quotas issued to importers represent approximately 50% of the baseline freeze. This is an additional measure instituted to allow Grenada to meet the 2013 and 2015 targets. The ultimate intent of this measure is to pursue and accelerated phase-out between the years 2020 to 2025.
Grenada being among the first countries in the region to implement an online licensing system is also among the leaders to establish the quota system for HCFC importation. The Customs and Excise Department as well as the Department of Trade are co-operating in the successful implementation of the licensing and quota system. The implementation of the quota system is one of the key activities of the (HPMP).
As of December 03, 2012, the application for, and the approval of import/export of licenses for Ozone Depleting Substances (refrigerants) by the Ministry of the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development will now be done electronically.
All import or export license applications for these goods must be applied for using the License Module of the ASYCUDA World System that utilizes the Direct Trader Input (DTI) method. This system can also be used to monitor and manage the quota system for hydrochlorofluorocarbons to be implemented from January 1, 2012.
This paperless system implemented by Grenada is among the first in the Caribbean sub-region of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Importers and their brokers who would have received training in this procedure must ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure in place to facilitate this process since paper applications for licenses would no longer be accepted.
The National Ozone Unit welcomes this initiative immensely, since it would facilitate the control measures for imports and/or exports of ODSs and aid in the data capture and reporting requirements of the National Ozone Unit to the Multilateral Fund and Ozone Secretariats of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
August 23rd 2011. St. George’s, Grenada: The National Ozone Unit, Energy Division, Ministry of Finance, in its continued implementation of Grenada’s Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) under the Montreal protocol on Substances that Deplete the ozone layer, has a organized a training workshop for customs officers in the Monitoring and Control of Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
This training will take place over two days, Wednesday August 24th and Thursday August 25th, 2011, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Approximately thirty (30) customs officers will be trained. On each day two separate groups of fifteen (15) officers will receive the training. The training will include both theoretical and practical components and will be conducted by officials of the Customs Department and National Ozone Unit.
The primary objectives of the training are:
- Discuss the role of customs officers and other stakeholders in the control and monitoring of trade in ODS and ODS dependent technologies
- Familiarize participants with the provisions and phase-out schedules of the Montreal Protocol;
- To train participants in detecting smuggling techniques in ODS
- To train participants in the examination and identification ozone depleting substances
- Increase awareness of ozone depletion issues and impacts of ozone layer depletion
This activity is aimed at assisting Grenada in meeting the Montreal Protocol Phase out targets for HCFC Refrigerants during the years 2013 to 2020. Grenada’s initial phase out targets for HCFC refrigerants are: to freeze consumption in the year 2013, reduce consumption by 10% in 2015 and a further reduction in consumption by 35% in the year 2020.
Some of the key topics to be included in the training are:
- Ozone Layer Science
- Identification of Ozone Depleting Substances
- Roles of Customs Officers and other Stakeholders
- Smuggling methods and techniques
- Documentation and reporting
- Practical exercises using refrigerant identifiers
In preparation for the phase out of these gases, the Government of Grenada has already instituted an import licensing and quota system for all refrigerants that will be imported into the country. Several other trade control measures are due to be implemented in 2012.
This training is a continuation of similar training workshops held in the past during the phase out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) which Grenada has already successfully phased out.
Photo Gallery 24th August, 2011
ST. GEORGE’S , GRENADA , Friday, July 01, 2011: The National Ozone Unit of Grenada launched its Hydrochloroflourocarbons (HCFCs) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) on June 15, 2011, under the watch words, “CFCs Gone, HCFC Must Go”.
Grenada is among the first Latin American and Caribbean Countries to launch this project.
Funding for Grenada’s HPMP is being provided by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and is administrated by the lead implementing agency, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
During the launch held at the National Stadium, the National Ozone Unit was complemented for its effort and contribution in phasing out ozone depleting substances. Keynote speaker, Dr. Marissa Gowrie from the Ministry of Housing and Environment of Trinidad and Tobago congratulated the National Ozone Unit and recognized the lead Grenada has taken among Caribbean territories in this effort.
Policy and Enforcement Officer of United Nations Environment Programme/Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP/ROLAC), Ms. Artie Dubrie also praised Grenada for its leadership role and encourage the National Ozone Unit (NOU) to move steadfastly in phasing out HCFCs, so that very soon Grenada can say “CFCs Gone HCFCs Gone too”.
Another of the overseas guests, Ms. Donnalyn Charles, Sustainable Development and Environment Officer, St. Lucia cautioned about the many challenges that will be encountered. She indicated that “some will be a repeat (referring to the phase out of CFCs) and some will be new, as we address not only ozone layer protection but also linkages with climate change and energy efficiency…”
During the ceremony the NOU presented three awards to outstanding individuals who have made invaluable contribution to Grenada in the phasing out of CFCs and in the preparation of the HPMP. The recipients were: Ms. Artie Dubrie, of UNEP/ROLAC for her outstanding contribution over the years in relation to Grenada’s success with the Regional Management Plan (RMP), Terminal Phase out Management Plan (TPMP) and Institutional Strengthening projects. Mr. John Telesford for his excellent work as lead consultant in the preparation of the HPMP and final project document, and, Hon. Michael Church for his international leadership on Grenada’s Montreal Protocol related matters.
Officials present at the ceremony included Mr. Curlan Gilchrist representing the Ministry of Finance; Mrs. Faye Thompson of the UNDP local office; Mrs. Valerie Cornwall of the GEF Small Grants Program; Mr. Leslie Smith from the National Ozone Unit; Mr. Michael Mitchell, President of GRAVA. Other persons present included representatives from the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), the Coast Guard, the Grenada Bureau of Standards, the Grenada Customs & Excise Department; importers of refrigerants and refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians and students.
For related news visit: http://grenvoice.com/2011/06/national-ozone-unit-says-cfcs-gone-hcfcs-must-go/
At a Press Conference held by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in the Energy Division on Friday November 19th, 2009, two local Customs Officers selected to attend a Train the Trainers Green Customs Initiative (GCI) workshop in the Dominican Republic from November 24th to 26th were presented with travel documents and workshop material to facilitate their attendance.
The Press Conference was held at the conference room at the Ministry of Finance. The presentation was made by Mr. John Auguste, Senior Energy Officer on behalf of the Energy Division, Ministry of Finance.
This workshop is being organized by the United Nations Environment Programme – Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP-ROLAC) in conjunction with the Customs Department of the Dominican Republic .
Workshop participants will be exposed to training on several Multi-lateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) related to environmentally sensitive commodities, including:
• The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
• The Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal
• The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
• The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
There will also be presentations from representatives of:
• World Customs Organization (WCO)
• Interpol
• The organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
• The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime
The main objectives of the workshop are:
• To capacitate the Senior National Trainers of Customs Department with information regarding MEAs and Internal Illegal Trade in “Environmentally Sensitive” Commodities
• To raise awareness in conformity with the objectives of the Green Customs Initiative
• To agree on a Draft National Green Customs Training module to be adapted at the National Customs Training Schools.
The goal is to have participants sufficiently equipped to include into National Customs Curriculum the Green Customs Initiative.
The Customs Officers selected to attend the workshop are Mr. Donan Victor, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Mrs. Lauren Brizan, Senior Customs Officer. They are both due to leave the island on Monday November 23rd for the Dominican Republic .
During a brief interview, Mr. Victor gave the assurance that the information acquired from the workshop will be imparted to other customs officers on their return to Grenada. Mrs. Brizan is also looking forward to her role as being part of the training arm of customs and made it clear to the media that in addition to the principal role that customs play in revenue collection, they also have a moral proactive responsibility to protect the environment.
The National Ozone Unit wishes them well on their participation at the workshop.
National Ozone Unit of Grenada 