It has been 13 years in the making but Winniefred Fostine-DeSilva has finally realised part of her dream.

In three more years she says she intends to fully realise it.

As the newly-installed designate Collector of Customs, she is assuming command of a department that is in the midst of modernising itself.

Mrs. Fostine-DeSilva, a mother of two stepsons, and a graduate of Whitney Institute, said that she brings a "very strong background'' to her new position.

"I have experience in all Customs-related matters and systems,'' she said.

"Customs is a changing organisation and right now we are working on such things as direct trader input, electronic data exchange and the quicker facilitation of passengers through the airport.

"I have been involved very heavily in those areas and it has been a real challenge.'' For the next three years she will work alongside a senior experienced officer who will be brought in from the United Kingdom on a three year contract.

The position of Collector of Customs will be advertised within the UK Customs and Excise Department and the successful applicant will take over the helm when Collector of Customs Gerry Ardis leaves later this year.

In her last position, Mrs. Fostine-DeSilva, who holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland and is in the midst of completing her Master's degree in Finance at Webster University, headed up the department's interdiction unit in the East End for five years.

"Our intelligence section has worked extremely well,'' she added. "They have become more involved in international trade and we have developed strong working relationships with United States Customs, Canada Customs and the Caribbean Law Enforcement Council.'' Consequently, she said, the knowledge she has gleaned from this work will assist her as she seeks to take over the top job.

This, combined with the successful completion of Government's Senior Management Development Programme, has made it possible for her to tackle this new challenge with some confidence.

"Twenty-six years ago we were mainly in the business of customer facilitation. And we dealt with a different level of tourist.

"Now we are dealing with the effects of the drug trade and swallowers who make it harder to detect drugs.

"We are working hard to ensure that we develop systems that help us to intercept illegal drugs and other illicit items. We are well aware of our role as the protector of our borders.'' But of all her many and varied responsibilities, Mrs. Fostine-DeSilva said that she will be trying to forge even closer relations with the Police.

"Twenty-six years ago, Customs really worked as an entity all its own but now we work very closely not just with the Police but with many agencies world wide.'' But with her new elevation, she said she will spend the first six months learning about all the responsibilities involved in Mr. Ardis' position and to ensure that all projects that have been started are completed.

"I particularly want to ensure that the airmail facility project is working well and this includes the courier facility which became a major issue last summer. We want that system to be in place and operational in September.'' Mrs. Fostine-DeSilva said she is not taking her eyes of her longtime goal.

She predicted:"I will be looking to be the Collector of Customs within the next three years.'' NEWLY PROMOTED -- Mrs. Winniefred Fostine-DeSilva has been elevated to Designate Collector of Customs after 26 years service.

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