A total of eight Customs officers who have racked up 260 years of service between them have been honoured.

Senior Customs Officer Pamelita Webb picked up an award after she notched up 40 years of service.

Terry Ann Smith, also a Senior Customs officer – was honoured for her 35 years with the department. Sharon Burgess, a data input clerk, was also honoured for her 35 years service.

The veteran officers were presented with certificates and gifts by Renee Ming, the minister of national security, at a special ceremony.

Five of the officers received awards in recognition of 30 years of service to the protection of Bermuda’s borders.

They were Principal Customs Officer Dean Lema, Senior Customs Officers Andrea McKey and Clyde Julio and Customs Officers Vincent John and Carla Hill.

Ms Ming, who presented the awards last week, said that the department had had “an extraordinarily busy 2020 holiday season”.

She added: “Because residents have been unable to travel regularly during the pandemic they have been importing courier packages from abroad in record numbers.

“It is a testament to your resilience and flexibility that you were able to swiftly adjust your protocols and practices to meet the demand.”

Ms Ming said that Customs officers had played a key role in the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She added: “Bermuda has been successful in managing the risks of the pandemic thanks in part to the Ministry of National Security’s uniformed service departments.

“During this pandemic the Customs Department’s essential operational units continued to function.

“You are on the front lines of keeping our country safe and functioning and we owe you a great debt of gratitude.”

Another 19 officers were awarded certificates for 10 and 15 years’ service.

This story was amended on February 1 to state that Sharon Burgess had 35 years service in the Customs Department, not 30 as stated in the Government press release.