Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker
Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, CD, JP
Incoming BorderHQ Advisory Board Member — Effective June 1, 2026
Former Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the Jamaica Customs Agency (2017–2026). Nearly three decades of distinguished leadership in customs administration, border governance, trade facilitation, and public-sector transformation across the Caribbean and internationally.

May 29, 2026

BorderHQ, a leading innovator in Artificial Intelligence for border modernization, customs technology, and trade facilitation solutions, today announced the appointment of Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, CD, JP, to its Advisory Board effective June 1, 2026.

Dr. Ricketts Walker brings nearly three decades of distinguished leadership in customs administration, border governance, trade facilitation, and public-sector transformation. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the Jamaica Customs Agency from 2017 to 2026, where she led one of the Caribbean's most significant modernization programs in customs and border management.

During her tenure, Dr. Ricketts Walker spearheaded major initiatives focused on customs modernization, digital transformation, integrated border management, intelligence-led enforcement, trade facilitation, and institutional strengthening. Under her leadership, the Jamaica Customs Agency advanced key reforms in non-intrusive inspection, trusted trade programs, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, while maintaining a strong commitment to national security, revenue protection, and customer service excellence.

Dr. Ricketts Walker also led the successful implementation and operationalization of Jamaica's Customs Management System and the Jamaica Single Window for Trade platform, significantly improving transparency, coordination, and operational efficiency across the customs ecosystem for government agencies, private-sector stakeholders, and international trade partners.

"Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker is widely recognized throughout the global customs and border community as a transformational leader with exceptional strategic insight and operational expertise. Her extensive experience leading large-scale customs modernization initiatives, strengthening international partnerships, and championing innovation in border governance will provide tremendous value to BorderHQ and our global clients as we continue to expand our mission of advancing secure, technology-enabled border solutions." — Chris Thibedeau, Co-Founder, BorderHQ

Throughout her career, Dr. Ricketts Walker has played a key role in strengthening engagement with regional and international organizations, including the World Customs Organization (WCO), CARICOM, CCLEC, and UNCTAD. She is also widely respected for her leadership in combating illicit trade, trade-based money laundering, and cross-border criminal threats, while promoting resilience, governance, and innovation in customs operations.

In addition to her executive leadership roles, Dr. Ricketts Walker has served on several national boards and advisory bodies, including the Port Authority of Jamaica, and continues to contribute to regional and international discussions on border security, trade competitiveness, and institutional resilience.

"As governments continue to modernize border operations and embrace artificial intelligence, data exploitation, and integrated risk management, it is critical to have advisors who understand both the operational realities and the strategic future of border governance. Dr. Ricketts Walker brings exactly that combination of experience, credibility, and forward-thinking leadership to BorderHQ." — Mike Squirrell, Co-Founder, BorderHQ
Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker — The future of border management requires both innovation and operational experience

As a member of the BorderHQ Advisory Board, Dr. Ricketts Walker will provide strategic guidance on customs modernization, border governance, trade facilitation, digital transformation, and international engagement initiatives.

About BorderHQ

BorderHQ is a global technology and advisory firm focused on advancing border modernization, customs innovation, and trade facilitation solutions for governments and international organizations. BorderHQ combines artificial intelligence solutions with operational expertise and strategic advisory services to help clients strengthen border security, improve trade efficiency, modernize customs operations, and enhance data-driven decision-making in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Media Contacts
Chris Thibedeau & Mike Squirrell
info@borderhq.ai  ·  www.borderhq.ai