FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The future of GB Express and the jobs of its employees are once again secure following a meeting with the Grand Bahama Air Couriers Association and Acting Comptroller of Customs Glenn Gomez yesterday morning.

Edward Barrett, president and owner of Sapona Imports, confirmed that the meeting was a success and that customers will no longer have to hire a broker to clear their parcels, costing them up to an additional $100. He noted that it is no longer a requirement to fill out the C-13 (home consumption entry) form.

"He (Gomez) has given us temporary relief in reference to the required documentation that was originally required and he assured us that come January 2010, proper procedures would be drawn up and put in place to also assist in the recognition of the air courier industry in The Bahamas," Barrett said.

Ecstatic about Gomez's decision to withdraw the recently introduced procedures, Barrett said, "I am elated. I am very, very happy because the people of Grand Bahama have suffered enough and it truly is something where persons can sigh a small breath of relief."

No longer will they have to worry about paying high prices to import their much needed items into the country, he said.

Praising the Customs Department for working with the couriers during what he said has been a trying time, Barrett added, "We thank them for their assistance in helping the people and helping us to maintain our businesses."

By Cleopatra Murphy / The Freeport News