Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 26, 2005): November 15th has been set as the date for the issuance of the first machine-readable passports in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
This is according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Justice, Immigration and Labour Ms. Astona Browne.
Ms. Browne explained the rationale is the enhance security and integrity of the document.
Cue In: "It would be recalled that in the post 9/11 era...
Cue Out: &at the ports of entry and departure."
The permanent secretary said tat in the past they had to rely on the "keen eye of immigration officers" to identify tampered documents. Individuals removed the data page from stolen passports and "doctored them" on many occasions.
To eliminate this type of activity in the future, the ministry has employed the services of a reputable company to carry out the printing.
Cue In: "With the mandate from CARICOM ...
Cue Out: ...with the readability of this passport."
Gail Gilbert of the Ministry of National Security accompanied Ms. Browne on a fact-finding and observation mission in relation to the new passports when they visited CBN Plant Company in Ottowa, Canada. According to Browne they were impressed with the high level of security CBN had in place at the printery.
Project Manager at Caribbean Bank Note, Jarett Jennings, revealed his company's long standing commitment to security.
Cue In: "We are proud to be here to help you...
Cue Out: ...border control to passport issuing systems."
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry and Commerce, Hon Dr. Timothy Harris said issuance of the new document is one of the defining moments in Caribbean history.
Cue In: "Head of government agreed to the issuance ...
Cue Out: ...when their stock of old passports would have been depleted."
Cue In: "The harvest will be ripe for the picking...
Cue Out: ... in execution of the rights of establishment."
Officers at the Passport Office are being trained to better serve the general public with the new system. The first applications will be accepted on November 7th. Persons holding valid passports will be allowed to continue to do so until the phase-out period is announced. The charge for the new passport is $85 for adults with an additional $150 if required urgently. The replacement fee of a lost passport is $250.
An information desk is set up at the Ministry of National Security for further information. The ministry is also inviting calls at 465-2521 ext 1006, 1209 or 1534.
