There has been a three-fold increase in the amount of goods imported into Bermuda because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Customs officials.

Lucinda Pearman the Collector of Customs, said that residents were buying goods online from overseas retailers rather than taking shopping trips abroad.

Ms Pearman added that her organisation was now working towards “embracing the evolving landscape of increased digital sales of goods by capturing, utilising and sharing data with agency partners”.

Ms Pearman said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have looked at ways to enhance how we do business due to the three-fold increase in the volume of imports largely, as a result of people not travelling.

“The global supply chain is a vital link for any business to operate effectively and efficiently, especially here in Bermuda.

“Our efforts will improve service to the community and advance the detection of illicit goods. Data and analytics will also play a key role in overcoming the ongoing supply chain delays caused by the global pandemic.”

Tomorrow is International Customs Day and has been given the theme ‘Scaling up Customs digital transformation by embracing a digital culture and building a data ecosystem’.

There will be 28 Customs department staff recognised this week for long service.

Renee Ming, the Minister of National Security, said: “The resilience demonstrated by our Customs officers in the last two years is tremendous.

“I am looking forward to meeting with the senior leadership of the Customs department later this week so that I can participate in a small ceremony to recognise the contribution of some of its longest-serving officers and to thank them personally for their tireless work.”

The public can visit the Customs social media page highlights of 2021 and list of upcoming events here.