Bermuda’s students took advantage of Customs Day Open House yesterday at The Pier, where they witnessed a number of impressive displays.

The event, in which Senator Jason Hayward made an appearance, came at the heart of a range of activities during Customs Week in the lead-up to International Customs Day on Friday.

Collector of Customs Lucinda Pearman is inviting members of the public to participate in the rest of the week of activities.

“The Customs Department continues to play an important role in the Bermuda economy and our mission is to promote compliance with Bermuda’s customs laws through quality service and responsible enforcement, thereby contributing to the economic and social stability of our community,” Mrs Pearman said. “Our staff and officers are responsible for facilitating trade, assessing and collecting revenue and interdicting drugs and other contraband.

“I encourage the public to come to our Customs Officer Awareness Day on January 25 to learn more about who we are and what we do.”

The week starts with officers attending a church service on Sunday at the St Paul AME Church.

Following on from yesterday’s open house, today features the annual Colin Smith Run, Walk, Ride Fun Race in honour of the late senior Customs officer. Participants travelled from Clearwater Beach car park to the LF Wade International Airport Cargo Shed.

Tomorrow’s inaugural awareness day will result in Customs officers taking to the streets of Hamilton between 11am and 2pm.

Officers will express their appreciation to the public and raise the level of awareness of the Customs Department and the important role they play in Bermuda.

The week will conclude with the Second Annual TD Robinson Golf Tournament.

• To see the week of activities, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”