Returning residents can now pay Customs duty online via an ATM machine at the Airport.

The move follows a joint initiative announced yesterday by Finance Minister Paula Cox and Butterfield Bank CEO Alan Thompson.

At a press conference at Cabinet Boardroom, Ms Cox said the partnership between Butterfield Bank and Government will enable online payments of Customs duty for dutiable goods purchased by returning Bermudians and other residents.

?It was just under one year ago I stated in the House of Assembly that HM Customs was discussing the possibility of offering the travelling public the option of making their Customs payments via Automated Teller Machines,? Ms Cox said.

Last week she said the logistical details were finalised, giving Butterfield Bank customers the option of paying their duties via a Butterfield Bank ATM that has now been installed and fully operational in the arrivals hall at the Bermuda International Airport.

Collector of Customs Winniefred Fostine-DeSilva and her team played a key role in ensuring the necessary procedures were in place to make this option viable. The service is similar to the existing payment options already available via the ATM such as land tax, Belco and BTC payments.

Said Ms Cox: ?The intent is to give our residents another payment option which will reduce the number of persons standing in line to pay via the customs? cashiers at the airport.?

?This is another positive step for E-Government and came about because of a successful and productive collaboration between Government and the private sector.?