GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – In taking the next steps towards becoming a unified border frontline agency, the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) has revealed its official logo, effective 1 January 2019.

The new branding will be applied and featured on the appropriate buildings, facilities and ports currently occupied by Customs and the Department of Immigration’s (DOI’s) entry and landing functions.

CBC Director (Designate), Charles Clifford, said the new logo signifies the ongoing, collaborative commitment of the DOI and Customs to protect the Cayman Islands’ borders and by so doing ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.

“Our new branding is one of many steps we are taking as part of this transformation and amplifies our role as border control officers,” he explained. “All of the elements that were established to create the new logo hold significant meaning, and represent the past and future of border control. The visual icon recognises our country’s heritage and preserves the legacy of what were formerly Customs and the DOI.”

CBC officers will wear the new logo on their new uniforms, while conveying its mission to serve as a premier law enforcement agency dedicated to upholding the law and protecting our borders.

“When trying to incorporate existing components to pay tribute to the merger of the two uniformed services, the gold crown was added to represent the Customs Department and the centre shield for the Department of Immigration with the combination of the four colours for both,” Mr. Clifford noted.

The gold stars on the shield symbolise the three Islands, while the two lines depict the new partnership of both agencies as one force. The larger lines found on each side of the logo, signifies the two agencies working to protect one border. The open gold rope that surrounds the shield offers a nod to our heritage as it represents Cayman’s National Tree, the Silver Thatch Palm, followed by the solid gold rope that binds both departments together as one.

Mr. Clifford said the CBC’s focus going forward is to be a global leader in border law enforcement and trusted partner that helps build a safe, secure and prosperous Cayman Islands

“A lot of groundwork has taken place behind the scenes to get to this point, but there’s still work to be done. The establishment of the CBC will continue to evolve over the coming months. It’s a multi-phased process, but from the first of January it will be business as usual. We will continue to provide the public with updates as we move closer to the reality of an innovative, purpose-driven, single border-force.”