Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2022)

22.   Suspension, revocation or refusal of licences or permits

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   (1)   The Commission may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a customs broker licence, customs clerk licence or an apprentice permit issued to any person under this Act if—

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      (a)     at least 7 clear days notice is given prior to the holding of an inquiry; and

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      (b)     after holding an inquiry at which the person is given an opportunity of being present and of being heard,

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   the Commission is of the opinion that the customs broker licence, customs clerk licence or apprentice permit should be suspended, revoked or not renewed.

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   (2)   In arriving at a decision on an inquiry held under subsection (1) the Commission may take into account—

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      (a)     the mental or physical incapacity of the person; and

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      (b)     court records relating to the conviction of that person by a court of competent jurisdiction on charges relating to misconduct, fraud or corruption in the performance of his or her duties as a customs broker, customs clerk or apprentice.

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   (3)   The Commission shall notify a person and that person's employer, if any, of the suspension, revocation of or refusal to renew that person's customs broker licence, customs clerk licence or apprentice permit and in the notification shall state the reasons therefor.

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   (4)   A person whose customs broker licence, customs clerk licence or apprentice permit has been suspended, revoked, or the renewal thereof has been refused, may appeal against such suspension, revocation, or refusal to the High Court, except where the customs broker licence, customs clerk licence or apprentice permit has been suspended, revoked or refused renewal owing to a conviction and the statutory limit for appealing such a conviction has elapsed.

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   (5)   Where the Commission suspends, revokes, or refuses to renew a customs broker licence, customs clerk licence or apprentice permit and—

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      (a)     no appeal against the suspension, revocation or refusal to renew has been made within one month of the suspension, revocation or refusal; or

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      (b)     an appeal has been made but disallowed,

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   a notice of the suspension, revocation or refusal to renew shall be published in the Gazette and displayed at all Customs offices.