Above: Antigua’s Parliament

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Raju Boddu, a native of India who has been on loan from the Indian government in Antigua for the last 10 years, has been named the country’s new comptroller of customs, according to Finance Minister Harold Lovell.

Boddu was formerly the Chief Forensic Accountant with the Antiguan government, and had continued to serve at the end of his initial contract.

“The central theme of my administration is going to be people,” Boddu said. “I strongly believe, when we take care of our people, their aspirations, emotions and needs by way of establishing equitable systems of communication, consultation and commitment, the revenue will flow automatically into the treasury.”

Boddu said that Customs would morph into an “effective organization pursuing people-friendly and business friendly policies and procedures.”

His appointment takes effect Monday, for a period of three years.