PHILIPSBURG:— In a significant step towards enhancing border monitoring and management, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Ms. Anna E. Richardson, and the Director of Immigration of Sint Maarten, Mr. Jocelyn Levenstone, were presented with the draft legislation for the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) on Friday, October 27th, 2023.
This legislative package is a crucial component of the Automated Border Control (ABC) project, aimed at facilitating a safe and responsible approach to ensure the seamless flow of passengers. The ABC project's primary focus is on processing biometric data, which is being integrated during the Airport Terminal Reconstruction Project at the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. The project's implementation is being carried out in collaboration with Vision-Box, and it necessitated the reintroduction of newly installed E-gates and an improved passenger border processing system.
The need for this legislation was identified as far back as 2018, but regrettably, it was not given the priority it deserved within the Judicial Department of Justice. Since taking office, Minister Richardson has made it a top priority, recognizing its significance in bolstering border security and management.
In her statement, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, "I consider this legislation of high importance in my quest to ensure we strengthen our borders to know who travels to, from, and through Sint Maarten. As we work with universal security platforms like Interpol, it is imperative to have our border management at state-of-the-art levels. I prioritized this legislation and requested that it be finalized. The assignment was given to Erling Hoeve and Tiffany Glasgow of the Justice Ministry, who dedicated much time and effort, which was thereafter vetted by De Jonge Legal Services."
The legislation will now undergo the legislative review process, with Judicial Affairs having already completed its review. Subsequently, it will be submitted for approval by the Council of Ministers before proceeding to the Council of Advice (CoA). After incorporating any remarks from the CoA, the draft legislation will be presented to the Parliament of Sint Maarten for review and discussion. Minister Richardson anticipates that certain amendments may arise during this process, reflecting the collaborative and deliberative nature of the legislative journey.
The introduction of the APIS and PNR legislation is a significant step forward in Sint Maarten's efforts to enhance border security and establish state-of-the-art border management systems. It underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to ensuring the safety and security of the nation's borders.
Home
St. Martin News Network Advance Passenger Information System and Passenger Name Record Legislation Draft Presented to...
Latest Local News
Social dialogue key to economic and social development, enabling inclusive transitions....
~The new ILO Social Dialogue Report 2024 shows the potential of peak-level social dialogue in promoting decent work in an era of unprecedented change.~To...
Minister of VROMI engages in candid discussion with waste collection companies...
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Patrice Gumbs of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), along with representatives of the Ministry, held a constructive meeting with...
Ministry of VROMI reminds Community to identify plots in Cay Bay...
~Mapping and beautification to begin in 2025.~To read more: https://smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/46600-ministry-of-vromi-reminds-community-to-identify-plots-in-cay-bay-cemetery.html
SXM DOET Empowers Youth with New Volunteerism and Sustainability Initiatives. |...
PHILIPSBURG:--- Every year, St. Maarteners celebrate SXM DOET Weekend, an initiative that started in the Netherlands over 20 years ago, inspiring the Dutch Caribbean...
Disaster Reserve Fund, an initiative of the Steering Committee of the...
PHILIPSBURG: --- The announcement made last week by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina that he would establish the Disaster Reserve Fund for Housing Projects...
View comments
Hide comments