The Trinidad-based Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) is providing technical and operational support to Antigua and Barbuda as the country moves towards implementing a Passenger Name Record (PNR) Framework.
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Minister, E. Paul Chet Greene, has since updated the Cabinet on the progress of the PNR, according to a statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
It said that CARICOM IMPACS has welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s enactment of the legislation, describing it as an important step towards strengthening national and regional capacity to combat transnational crime and improve border security through more effective passenger risk assessment.
Under the proposed arrangement, Antigua and Barbuda will be provided access to CARICOM IMPACS’ regional PNR solution, which facilitates the secure collection, processing and analysis of passenger information for risk-assessment purposes.
The regional system is intended to allow participating authorities to better identify potential risks while ensuring that passenger information is handled in accordance with national legislation and applicable data-protection requirements.
Cabinet was also advised that the initiative will support the establishment and operationalisation of Antigua and Barbuda’s Passenger Information Unit (PIU).
‘CARICOM IMPACS will provide assistance with the development of policies, procedures, governance arrangements and operational protocols required for the effective functioning of the Unit.
‘Importantly, specialised training will be provided to officers assigned to the Passenger Information Unit in areas including passenger risk analysis, intelligence development, PNR processing and data-protection requirements. Ongoing technical assistance will also be provided to ensure the sustainability of the national system,’ the statement noted.
Greene told Cabinet that the regional approach will allow Antigua and Barbuda to utilise existing CARICOM security infrastructure and expertise while benefiting from economies of scale.
He said this will avoid the considerably greater costs that would be associated with independently acquiring, operating and maintaining a standalone national PNR system.
‘Cabinet welcomed the initiative and agreed to proceed with the proposed arrangement with CARICOM IMPACS. The appropriate written confirmation will be provided, allowing the administrative, technical and implementation processes to move forward.’
The statement said that following formal confirmation, CARICOM IMPACS and the relevant national authorities will meet to finalise implementation arrangements, technical requirements, respective responsibilities and a proposed timeline for bringing the system into operation.
‘Cabinet noted that the implementation of the Passenger Name Record Framework forms part of the Government’s continuing efforts to modernise border management, strengthen national security and deepen security cooperation with CARICOM institutions and regional partners.’