Good job Mr. Boddu!! Not only the Customs Dept needs to be investigated and audited thoroughly , but all other offices in Antigua and Barbuda. Antiguans are known for doing " under the table deals" which robs the governmemt of collecting the taxes. That's why IMF has to back ANU because of this corruption that goes on. It's about time something is done and this is only the beginning. We need mor Mr. Boddhus in Antigua.

Its ironic how an officer will ask for our comptroller to resign, when its the first time in the history of customs, I see a boss, that does not show special favour to any officer and no matter who you are and you do anything illegal he will make an example out of you. if the head does not start getting it right the body will remain the same. Good job sir, I support you.

I've said it before and I'll say it again be weary of all the big sponsor people who hide behind their generosity and in the meantime have big stuff going on. x x x x x x and of course they have to xxx someone xxx to xxxar their 'goods'. Look at Dante, he was 'such a kind and generous person' but he was allegedly involved in the bad too. Drug and weapons trafficking is the scourge of the earth.

I will not refrain from calling for the comptroller resignation until, he practice what he preach at his first meeting to officers. The comptroller was my pick from day 1. I supported him, but I am rather disappointed that he joined with the list of past comptrollers aligning themselves with selective group of officers, who are ill advising him and until he get it and be a comptroller for all, my calls for resignation will not stop. This issue with him publishing the company name is wrong. The investigation is not completed, suppose in his findings found that the company was not involved in the fraud? This company have all right to sue the department for defamation. Customs need just like the police force a comprehensive review.

While I salute this investigation, it is in my belief the tip of the iceberg, as has been said.
Corruption is rife in one form or another, whether it be ministers just not doing their job or support of Japan in the context of the IWC and whaling and I am pretty sure there are some shady deals relating to climate change negotiations and China.
Will any one be served justice, based on historical evidence NO. The PM even admitted that over the Wadadli power plant it should have been discussed as required by law, it was not and nobody to upset to DO anything other than talk.
What was wrong made right!!!!!

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Sadly this notion that Antigua & Barbuda needs Foreign Nationals to save the Indigenous People continues to hold sway with some observers & many who hold the reins of GoAB. From IMF to FDI To Tourism To Fiscal Adjustment & Structural Reform.
This "mere voice in the wilderness" will continue to shout from Boggy Peak - my bad Mount Obama - that no country can abdicate its Vision, Strategic Direction and raison d'etre to a foreign power or foreigners who will always act in their permanent interest.
To those Nationals and Residents of Antigua & Barbuda intent on forming as the Americans loudly proclaim to all who will listen, a more perfect Union, No one can do that for you. Do not abdicate this sacred task. In doing this you will not have a Nation To Build but be hewers of wood and drawers of what little water is left. May I suggest this review by PM Gonsalves and encourage you to buy and read Sir Shridath Rampal's most recent essays and Book - Caribbean Challenges. www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Book-Review%3A-Caribbean-Challenges-by-Sir-Shridath-Ramphal-11357.html. Have Mercy Pon Us.

You are exactly right,Customs Officer. I understand your frustration. However,would you please refrain from calling for Mr.Boddu's resignation for now until the investigation is completed. There has got to be a finding of what he claimed happened did happened.If the investigation reveals that the sport and clothing establishment has no involvement in the alleged fraud,then it's name and reputation would not be tarnished.

I'm a customs officer, one who is not involve in any form of corruption and will never be involved. Mr. Boddu have some what disappointed me with releasing the name of the business place without completing the investigation. Mr. boddu, when he took the position, i was happy for him because i said gone are the days in customs of nepotism. I though the light was at the end of the tunnel. Mr. boddu came with good intention, but to my disappointment, much of the same. He is being ill advice by "xxxa customs xxxn" who is leading him down a road of destruction. Mr. Boddu as an officer for 15 year, do us a favor and resign forthwith. All who praise him on here, I'm inside, i know our house is not clean. the comptroller is not suitable for the job.

Does anyone believe he is the only one, this is the tip of the iceberg, a practice going on for donkey years, particularly among the cloth merchants.

It is obvious that unfair competition exist in Antigua anD Barbuda, not only in the textile trade but in all other aspect of business from food to cars. Who benefits, the rich merchants, xxxing the treausry and not paying there fair share. So, they can sponsor from steelband to football, while at the same time xxxing the public.

Also, there are many others besides the struggling customs officer on their payroll, many others receive payyoffs. How should this bed tackled?

I am, suggesting to curtail corruption a shift rotation be instituted, an ensure a thorough checking of consigments at the business place an at the port, by a senior officer selected by the Comptroller, along with anotherdelegate d officer.

Also, it is important for the Compptroller make continual checks when the consignments arrive at the business place, the elemengt of surprise is very important.

MR. BODDU GOOD WORK KEEP IT UP, THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.. EVENTUALLY WE WILL HAVE AN ALMOST CLEAN CUSTOMS WITH MANY IN JAIL AND RESIGNING.

Blaming UPP for the behavior of the alledged person at Cool and Smooth is rediculous.Shou ld the people blame ALP for Alan Stanford's crimes aginst his banking customers.This man Stanford was recommended by the ALP a Knighthood.So,s o called family man do your homework,and study your history.HA,HA,H A.

All UPP lackeys were honoured! That in itself was a dishonour to the Queen! At least V. C. Bird refused the one offered him from the Queen! More egg on the face of the good old Governor General?

Ever since the Canadians were brought in to clean up the police force - although there is still more to be done - I felt that customs should be next. I was therefore hopeful that Mr. Boddu's appointment would make a difference.
Just a few short weeks after his appointment I was very please to see a press conference at which customs office, whom I did not could speak we're confidently answering questions and acting in the most professional manner. That's precisely what good leadership is meant to do. To my Antiguans who only have a tolerance for natural born black antiguans, I say "good leadership has no nationality". Keep up the good job Mr. Boddu.

Mr. Boddhu please clarify the information on the reverse of the Customs form which pertains to returning residents and $700........... .......Very confusing

maybe now dem will tap txxif out me subben dem from me barell.

Way to go Mr.boddu, but when will customs stop robbing me.

I sure have to agree with you. Someone once told me that you must steal in Antigua in order to make it. That was just before I found out that they were stealing from me. I believe Customs is one of the main reasons Businesses in Antiuga fail and is failing. They pepper those who refuse to go under the table or have no connections. They over charge people and when you bust them and they admit they wrong they still dont refund your money. This new Controller will fix these things I believe. I agree with your post.

Look for another bump will be on the carpet. This is something else that will be swept under it! .If not look for a new head at customs

Good job sir it's about time and to Mr. Sampson is his duty title not "Comptroller of Customs?" instead of calling him "The feisty customs chief" why not just say "couragious?"

We now have to look at the Plastic Man ' and friends of DR..DR..

Be careful, if you touch these guys you could suffer from the fallout! First side walks...now this? What next by these guys?

The chickens have began to comme home to roost. Persons are innocent until proven guilty, but I believe that this sauspan has lost its 'kibba'.

Well done customs.But everyone knows how close they are with the Prime Minister DR DR **n Spencer.After a national honor i wonder if the Comptroler of Customs will have a job next week.

Amazing that a company that is evading customs taxes, is financially able to sponsor nearly every event that happens in the country. I'm not suggesting the tax evasion is ok, but one can't help but consider weather or not taxation at the port is the best form of taxation available. Considering how much more taxes our government has imposed, it is difficult if not impossible to see it when you look around. Yet, when businesses can be profitable, the money finds its way into the hands of those who need it. Teams get uniforms, athletes get to travel abroad, persons with medical needs that they cannot manage get assistance. If taxation is a necessary evil, do it so that it works on every level.......jus t sayin'

Good job Mr. Boddu! Continue to peel back the onion so that we can see exactly who is/are involved in these back door deals. However, bear in mind that we have some very vindictive individuals who will plot against you as the noose tightens around their necks. Again, good job!