Finance Minister and Chief Commissioner of Revenue, Hon Siosiua T.T. 'Utoikamanu, has announced the appointment of an external Special Advisor for Customs. He is also seeking assistance from an International Agency on tackling corruption.

"The Advisor will be responsible for continuing the organizational strengthening of Customs as part of the revenue reform programme. The Advisor will report directly to me and will have wide ranging powers to ensure Customs operates in accordance with our laws and maintains the integrity of the service," said the Minister.

"As part of our efforts to continuously improve our service delivery, I have met with members of the business community to seek their views on Customs and they were able to provide constructive feedback on what the department can do to raise the standards further.

"I have taken their views on-board and part of the external advisor's role is to the monitor performance of the department and identify areas for improvement. We must continually strive to provide the best service possible to the public and private sector so I intend to continue the internal strengthening of Customs.

"Another core part of the Special Advisors role is to maintain the good standards achieved over the last 12 months and to investigate any accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

"I will also resurrect the "Customs Hotline" so that any inappropriate practices can be reported by the public directly to the advisor. I want to ensure the public that Customs will continue to improve its service standards as well as protecting our borders.

"In addition, I am seeking further assistance from one of the International Agencies on targeting corruption through organizational development. We will strive to permanently change the culture within the organization so that inappropriate behaviour must never become part of the norm. I want integrity, honesty, quality service and commitment to be the core values of the service.

"I am also grateful that one of our development partners will continue to support our reforms through the provision of long term assistance at senior levels for the Customs service. and we hope that this person will be in place before July this year. In the meantime, the Special Advisor will oversee the Customs operations and work closely with senior management," concluded the Minister. - Minister of Finance, 19/03/07.