Acting Comptroller of Customs, Glenn Gomez
By CLEOPATRA MURPHY
Freeport News Intern
The future of GB Express and the jobs of its employees are once again secure following a meeting with the Grand Bahama Air Couriers Association and Acting Comptroller of Customs Glenn Gomez yesterday morning.
Edward Barrett, president and owner of Sapona Imports, confirmed that the meeting was a success and that customers will no longer have to hire a broker to clear their parcels, costing them up to an additional $100.
He noted that it is no longer a requirement to fill out the C-13 (home consumption entry) form.
"He (Gomez) has given us temporary relief in reference to the required documentation that was originally required and he assured us that come January 2010, proper procedures would be drawn up and put in place to also assist in the recognition of the air courier industry in The Bahamas," Barrett said.
Ecstatic about Gomez's decision to withdraw the recently introduced procedures, Barrett said, "I am elated. I am very, very happy because the people of Grand Bahama have suffered enough and it truly is something where persons can sigh a small breath of relief."
No longer will they have to worry about paying high prices to import their much needed items into the country, he said.
Praising the Customs Department for working with the couriers during what he said has been a trying time, Barrett added, "We thank them for their assistance in helping the people and helping us to maintain our businesses."
Bob Clutter, co-owner of GB Express, said he was relieved that all parties were able to resolve the matter. He expressed his gratitude that Gomez had taken time out from his vacation to help the couriers on the island.
Clutter said excitement and relief was in the air at GB Express as he along with the employees were happy that their jobs would still be there on Monday morning.
"We're all walking on air – the Florida side, myself. It's just been a tremendous relief to all of us to know the deadline was there and to be able to have the relief," he said. "Everybody is smiling at GB today."
Clutter said he was brought to the point of tears upon learning of the decision Gomez had made in giving couriers on the island a waiver and returning to the old system. He added that now was not the time to be laying persons off.
"We're very happy and we want to thank everybody for seeing the pains and reacting positively," Clutter said.
He said business at GB Express is once again back to normal, adding that a flight was already scheduled to come to the island today.
He noted that he would like to thank his customers and the grass-roots for their support and what he said he believed made a positive outcome possible.
The grass-roots support was a great help in reaching this solution," Clutter said. "We will be able to provide service as we did once before, daily service beginning (Friday) morning."
