The Customs Department will be hosting an open house and other events this week to celebrate International Customs Day.

While Customs Day itself is not until Sunday, events marking this year’s theme of “Communication: Sharing Information for Better Cooperation” began yesterday with a church ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral.

Tomorrow, the Customs Department will continue to celebrate with an open house at No 6 Cruse Ship Terminal on Front Street between 10am and 2pm. Customs staff will be present to answer public questions, and the event will feature a number of displays, demonstrations and a game where members of the public can win small prizes.

Events will continue later in the week with a road race on Wednesday and a staff appreciation gala on Friday.

Collector of Customs Lucinda Pearman said: “Customs plays 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.

“Our staff is responsible for facilitating trade, assessing and collecting revenue and interdicting drugs and other contraband. I encourage the public to come to our open day and learn more about who we are and what we do.”