The Office of the Deputy Governor has announced the appointment of Linda Doreen Malcolm to the post of Collector of Customs in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.
Malcolm has been described as the embodiment of a fervent and dedicated Civil Servant. Born and raised in South Back Salina (Good Street) on Grand Turk, Malcolm started her education at the Eliza Simmons (South) Primary School in 1978 and HJ Robinson (Formerly Turks and Caicos High) in 1983.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management at the Ashworth College, Business School.
In October 1989, Malcolm joined the Civil Service as an Assistant Customs Officer with the Customs Department. Two years later, in 1991, she was promoted to Customs Officer, then climbed through the ranks from Senior Customs Officer (1993) to Assistant Collector of Customs (1996) and Deputy Collector of Customs in 2000; the latter position she held until 2023.
During her 34 years with the Customs Department, Ms. Malcolm:
• Led Customs’ Entry Processing Unit (EPU), Concessions Administration, Refunds, and Bonded Warehouses
• Monitored the automated system for customs data (ASYCUDA) to ensure that all stakeholders prepare declarations of all goods entering TCI. Provide advice on Customs policy matters, including legislation on Customs import/export regimes, to the Permanent Secretary and the Minister of Immigration and Border Services.
• Played a leadership role in the 2021 implementation of both Job Queue (2021), an electronic system which facilitates the remote interface between the EPU and the Trading Public, and Customs Administration Database (CADS) in 2023, a database which manages the Department’s Operation and Administrative affairs in our drive to become paperless.
• Led the development and implementation of a Customs Concessions Portal in 2022, which reduces processing time and improves efficiency in applying and approving TCIG waivers across the Board.
• Championed the ‘Be Well Work Well Program’ on behalf of the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services. The program is designed to develop ‘The Whole Man’ by providing officers with a working environment that fosters professional and emotional well-being.
Malcolm enjoys spreading the gospel, baking and cooking. Her colleagues describe her as genuine, kind, selfless, loving and, above all, a tremendous source of positivity to everyone who crosses her path.
Malcolm, commenting on her appointment, stated:
“Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path’.
“All glory to the Almighty God for keeping me throughout this journey. You are a faithful God.
“Over the years, I have worked with several Collectors; it is on their shoulders that I am standing today.
“Special thanks to Collectors John Robinson, Clinton Wilson, Terry Selver and Chawa Williams for always seeing the best in me.
“Today, I am honoured and humbled by this opportunity to lead. As the second female Collector of Customs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, I vow to serve with professionalism and integrity while delivering excellent service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands through Customs and Ports Enforcement.
“To my amazing Management Team and staff at the Customs Department, I look forward to your continued support. Change is all around us, and we have a lot of work to do. But I couldn’t ask for a better Team to be on this journey with. With God’s help, everything is possible.
“To my family and friends, thank you for your endless love, support and encouragement every step of the way
“Lastly, thank you to Her Excellency Anya Williams and her team for this opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms Malcolm, stated:
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Ms Linda Doreen Malcolm on her official appointment to the post of Collector of the Customs Department in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Service.
“The Customs Department plays an extremely important role in the Turks and Caicos Islands in relation to both its National Security responsibilities in the protection of our borders and also in terms of revenue generation and enforcement as the government’s largest revenue earner.
“Ms. Malcolm has dedicated over 30 years of service to the Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Department. She has been a leader and a champion as we worked over the years to drive efficiency, improve stakeholder engagement and improve the department’s capabilities.
“When called upon for advice by her colleagues or members of the general public, Ms. Malcolm can easily recite every paragraph and tariff in the Customs Ordinance. She is well-equipped to carry out this role, and we are certain she will do exceptionally well.”
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