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NMI marks its first Customs Week
Division of Custom officers and representatives pose with Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, fourth from right, after the proclamation signing last Jan. 24 at the Governor’s Office on Capital Hill. (JUSTINE NAUTA)
In a first ever for the Commonwealth, this last week of January is being observed as CNMI Customs Week, to focus the spotlight on the role of Customs in protecting the CNMI’s borders while generating revenue from all incoming and outgoing cargo.
Customs officers, members of the legislature, and others were present last Friday to witness Gov. Ralph Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios declare Jan. 26 as International Customs Day and the week of Jan. 27 to 31 as CNMI Customs Week at the Office of the Governor’s conference room on Capital Hill.
“Today’s a great day for us,” said Rep. Luis John Castro (R-Saipan). “It’s an honor for me to take part in this proclamation, for the first ever CNMI’s Customs Week. I want to thank our Customs officers and personnel for coming together and dedicating themselves to protecting our Commonwealth and our borders.”
House floor leader John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan), who himself is a former Customs officer, cited the recent interception of contraband in praising the role that Customs play in preventing the entry of illegal goods.
Sablan also expressed gratitude to the Customs officers who will be doing outreach in schools from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31 as part of CNMI Customs Week.
“One thing that Customs is not short of is the support of our political leaders, my boss, and many private citizens and businesses,” said Customs director Joe Mafnas. “When they see something out there, they give us a tip or tell us, and our various partners within law enforcement. That’s what motivated us to ensure that we protect our borders.”
Customs officer Jesse Ogo, who is a second-generation officer at Customs, said he grew up within the environment of the seaport and airport, and that his first-hand knowledge of the work made him fall in love with his job.
“There are a lot of things that I enjoy about my job, but most importantly is the pride that comes from knowing that my team and I have first dibs on the protection of our island,” he said.
