BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 25TH 2005 - The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis joins the growing list of Caribbean nations to issue machine-readable passports.
Minister of National Security, Justice, Immigration & Labour, the Hon. Dwyer Astaphan will officially launch the new travel document during a ceremony on the steps of Government Headquarters on Church Street on Tuesday afternoon.
The official launch of the new St. Kitts and Nevis Passport coincides with the first anniversary of the reelection of the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party to a third consecutive term in office on October 24th last year .
Following the signing of the National Anthem by Constable Laughton Percival of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the Invocation by the Force's Chaplain, Pastor Leroy Benjamin, an official of the Ministry will give an overview of the project.
Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Sam Condor; Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris and Project Manger for Canadian Bank Note, Mr. Jarret Jennings are down to give remarks.
National Security Minister Astaphan will officially launch the new passport in his feature address and the Vote of Thanks will be given by Ms. Jennifer Evelyn.
The Federation is one of several CARICOM Member States to issue a national passport with the CARICOM logo.
The Government of the Republic of Suriname was the first CARICOM Member State to do so. Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana have said they will also issue similar travel documents during the course of 2005
