The National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis has passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2024, marking a significant milestone in modernising border security and enhancing public safety.
Approved during a sitting of the National Assembly on 28th November, this legislation replaces the Advance Passenger Information Act of 2017, introducing robust, internationally compliant measures for managing travel data.
The new law authorises local authorities to collect, transmit, and regulate passenger information for individuals travelling to, from, and through the Federation.
A key component of the legislation is the establishment of Passenger Information Units (PIUs), tasked with analysing travel data to detect and prevent potential threats. This initiative aligns St. Kitts and Nevis with a broader CARICOM effort led by the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), aimed at creating a unified legal framework across member states to combat transnational crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.
National and Regional Security Prioritised
Minister of National Security, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, championed the legislation, highlighting its role in safeguarding citizens and strengthening border controls. He underscored the government’s commitment to treating crime and violence as public health issues that demand preventative measures.
“This Bill is not just about crime prevention; it represents a proactive approach to reducing societal harm by addressing security as a public health concern,” said Dr. Drew. “By identifying and mitigating threats early, we foster safer communities and reduce the long-term costs of crime to our society.”
The legislation supports the government’s vision for a Sustainable Island State, ensuring that security forms the foundation for economic and social resilience.
International Compliance and Collective Action
The Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill is part of a coordinated regional strategy to address evolving security challenges. By harmonising legal frameworks across CARICOM nations, the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to regional safety and international obligations. The measures ensure St. Kitts and Nevis is better equipped to protect its borders while fostering collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries.
The passage of this Bill reflects a decisive step toward realising a safer, more secure Federation and reinforces the government’s dedication to innovation and international best practices in public safety.
Photo: The St. Kitts and Nevis Immigration Department launched its 4th generation Border Management System in March 2024. The new system allows arriving passengers who are 14 years and above, bearing machine-readable passports from member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, to avoid long queues and lengthy manual passport checks by an immigration officer.
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