WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13: Bermudians in the last line of defence at Customs and Immigration have been sent to ‘charm school’ in a bid to boost the island’s image among visitors and business people.
And, as previously reported, UK-style red and green channels at the airport to speed passengers with nothing to declare through the arrivals process are also on the cards.
National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said the two schemes were aimed at improving the experience of arriving on the island, whether for business or pleasure.
Mr Perinchief said that around 50 front-line Customs and Immigration staff had already undergone training.
The training was carried out by experts in conjunction with the Bermuda Employers’ Council.
Mr Perinchief added: “Everyone who has contact with passengers will go through that training — the feedback from officers that have already completed the training has been very positive.”
He added: “We are working on ‘nothing to declare’ channels with the Ministry of Finance and Customs. It’s another way of making arriving on the island a more pleasant experience for all our arrivals.”
UK airports have red channels for those with goods to declare, while those not owing duty for purchases overseas can head through the green channel.
But passengers are still subject to regular random stop and search procedures to check people are not trying to evade duty or bring in contraband.