June 29, 2011Dear Sir,It is with great distress that I relay my most recent Customs experience.I am Bermudian, however I have lived off the island for more than five years. I returned on May 19, after learning that my father had days left to live, and returned to spend his last moments with him. I made sure I was the first person off the plane, through immigration, and only had a carry-on to ensure I wouldn't miss a second to be with him during this difficult and sad time.As I reached Customs I was asked the obligatory “What is the purpose of your visit?” I replied honestly, “My father is dying.” He advised me that I had been selected for a random search, and although apologetic to my circumstance, sent me over to wait in line to be called. When I reached the “line”, there was no one in front of me, and three customers officers chatting. I had to wait until they finished their conversation when they then looked at each other asking silently “Well, who's going to take her?” and eventually I was called.The Customs officer who volunteered to search me asked again, “What is the purpose of your visit?”I replied: “My father is dying.”She then asked if I had anything else to declare on my customs form before she began going through my items. I replied: “No, I haven't brought anything. I packed last night, I came to see my father, and I have nothing to declare.” She then proceeded to conduct her search. I have never, ever, in my life, been so thoroughly searched by a Customs officer. She went through my entire suitcase, every pocket, zipper scrutinised, removed every article of clothing, every piece of make up in my make up bag and then moved on to my personal bag, where she put aside my phone and blackberry, and then proceeded to go through my wallet. After standing there for over ten minutes while watching the scene unfold before me, she asked: “Do you have proper documentation for your phones?”I replied, once again, that I do not live on the island. I showed her my visa which demonstrates that I have lived in the USA for over five years, and will continue to do so. The phones were not staying in Bermuda, therefore I did not need to pay duty on them. I had to repeat this to her at least three times. After the third time, I began to get very upset at the ridiculousness of the situation I was in. I asked her if she had to continue to go through my luggage with such a thorough hand as I had honestly explained the reason for my visit, demonstrating by her search that I had nothing of value to declare and asked for compassion to my situation.She then proceeded to tell me in a callous, cold and apathetic manner that I had “no right” to tell her how to do her job and that if I continued to “have an attitude with her”, that she could make me stand there “all day” if she wanted to. I couldn't believe I was receiving such awful treatment, and I began to cry, silently, as I just wanted to get through those doors to see my father and family, hoping I would not miss seeing him before he passed, as she held me there.Two other Customs officers walked over to her and asked her if she was all right. No one asked me if I was all right, even though I visibly shaking and crying from the treatment I was receiving. They were more concerned for their fellow officer, who had not received one harsh word from me other than my plea for compassion, and showed no concern for myself, or situation.After 30 minutes, the search of my one small carry-on bag and purse completed, she finally let me go, but did not return the items back into my bag. After I repacked my bag, I ran out the doors crying uncontrollably after receiving the worst treatment I have ever received, not only by Customs, but by just a fellow person.I do not understand why the Customs Officer felt it was her duty to demonstrate her “power” in this situation. Her attitude and over all demeanor was callous, bitter, and very hostile. When I asked for compassion, her attitude only grew more contemptuous.I shudder to think these are the same officers who greet visitors to our shores. No wonder our Tourists are abandoning us if these people are their first taste of the “friendliest people on earth”.CONCERNED AND SADDENEDBERMUDIANUSA