successfully carry out its role as an agent of revenue collection and protector of local industries and society, a visiting speaker said yesterday.

Mr. Martin Brown, the Commissioner of HM Customs and Excise in the United Kingdom, was the keynote speaker during the 27th Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Conference at Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort.

The Royal Gazette was barred from listening to Mr. Brown's speech. An edited version of the original was supplied afterwards.

The CCLEC is an international organisation comprised of 37 member countries and seven organisations.

This year's conference will run until December 2 with at least 70 delegates from more than 30 countries attending.

One area deserving particular attention is commercial fraud which resulted when travellers undervalued imported goods when they returned home, Mr. Brown said.

"I am acutely aware that the undervaluation of imported goods is probably the greatest risk to the revenue that (we) have to contend with,'' he said.

But Customs officers needed to analyse what their country's objectives were for revenue collection and economic protection.

Moreover, he said, staff needed good training and organisation and adequate legislation.

However, legislation alone was not enough because there also needed to be a pledge to enforce the law.

Mr. Brown called on all CCLEC members to share information between themselves for their mutual benefit, and to work with businesses to ensure they comply with the law.

While underscoring the need for Customs officers to work with businesses as partners and counsellors, Mr. Brown warned that officers must exhibit the highest standards of integrity.

"I recognise the problems faced, particularly in small countries. There is intimidation, there is family pressure. If we do not have a clear enforcement policy and consistent, unbiased application of the law, the result is inequitable treatment, social injustice and economic distortion.

"Customs is a law enforcement body above all. Citizens of our countries must be able to put their trust in us.'' Although integrity was important, Mr. Brown said that inefficiency in a Customs organisation breeds contempt in the public mind and encourages more people to evade customs duties.