Customs officers handed out snacks and sodas to the public yesterday as part of an attempt to boost the profile of the department’s work.

Sharmette Pond, the Assistant Collector of Customs, said that officers had received a “great response”.

Ms Pond added: “People were surprised, wondering what’s going on.”

The Random Acts of Kindness Day was one of several events planned by customs department staff to coincide with International Customs Day on Saturday.

Officers from the 170-strong department were out on the streets in Hamilton and in St George.

Lucinda Pearman, the Collector of Customs, said the department played an important part in the island’s economy.

She added: “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.

“Our staff and officers are responsible for facilitating trade, assessing and collecting revenue and interdicting drugs and other contraband.”

Ms Pond said that what started as a one-day celebration of the service in Bermuda had grown into a week of events.

The annual CA Smith Run, Walk, Ride Fun Race will take place today.

The event was named in honour of Colin Smith, a former senior Customs officer.

The race will start at Southside, St David’s at 9am and travel five kilometres to the finish line at LF Wade International Airport.

An open house will be held at Pier 6 Terminal in Hamilton tomorrow.

The event will provide members of the public the chance to meet Customs officers, as well as experience interactive displays.

Ms Pond said that 200 middle and senior school pupils are expected to attend the open house.

The second annual Tammy D. Robinson Golf Tournament will be played at Belmont Hills Golf Club on February 2.

Ms Pearman encouraged members of the public to attend the open house event which takes place from 10am to 2pm.