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HIA, George Charles Airport Get Automated Passport Control Kiosk Machines

The modernization of the island’s airports has been given a major boost following the donation of several Automated Passport Control Kiosk Machines to the government and people of St Lucia from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Mission. The donation was made at a handing over ceremony, yesterday, October 9, at the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA). Eight machines were installed at the HIA and two at the George F.L. Charles Airport. In his address to the gathering, His Excellency, Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, said: “Today, marks another important step in the OECS ongoing journey towards the modernization of our ports of entry. This is an effort made possible through the steadfast support of the European Union and our member states across the entire region. As we hand over these Kiosk machines today, we celebrate not just new machines, but a new mindset; one that embraces digital innovation at the heart of modern government.” He said tourism continues to be our engine of growth, and now contributes 45% of the OECS total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and close to 30% of our employment. He added that these numbers represents not just visitors but livelihood. According to Dr. Jules, at the turn of the millennium, arrivals to many OECS countries were modest, fewer than 200,000 passengers, annually. “In some of those destinations today, those numbers have multiplied several times over. This is a cause for celebration, but it also compels us to transform the infrastructure and the processes that support it as global tourism becomes more competitive,” he said. Dr. Jules said travelers expect not only a beautiful destination, but also efficient hassle-free and secure entry experiences, adding that the automation of our ports of entry makes travel through our region faster, simpler and safer. “These new Kiosk machines introduced here in St. Lucia are more than pieces of hardware; it represents a new philosophy of border management,” he said He identified some of its benefit as speeding up process time in arriving and departing passengers, reducing congestion in the arrival hall, capturing accurate and timely data for immigration, customs and tourism officials and strengthening border security through advancing screening in real time. Director of Airports/SLASPA, Amy Charles said the initiative will enhance border management and the overall travel experience. “The feedback from passengers is overwhelmingly positive. Many are now completing the immigration process under30 seconds,” Charles said, describing it as a remarkable achievement. “The implementation of those kiosk complement the recent upgrade at the immigration booths and the reconfiguration of the immigration hall…” she added. Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremiah Norbert said the initiative is just a start to increase the use of technology at our airports. “We thank the OECS and the EU in supporting our government’s vision in delivering a St Lucia that is simply beautiful for the visitors on their way to enjoy our beautiful island, its people, its hospitality, cuisine, sand, beaches….” he said. Inspector Lionel, officer in charge of the immigration department also spoke of the initiative in glowing terms, saying it will augment the number of officers who are available to process passports.

Kingsley Emanuel,VP Digital •
HIA, George Charles Airport Get Automated Passport Control Kiosk Machines
The modernization of the island’s airports has been given a major boost following the donation of several Automated Passport Control Kiosk Machines to the government and people of St Lucia from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Mission. The donation was made at a handing over ceremony, yesterday, October 9, at the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA). Eight machines were installed at the HIA and two at the George F.L. Charles Airport. In his address to the gathering, His Excellency, Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, said: “Today, marks another important step in the OECS ongoing journey towards the modernization of our ports of entry. This is an effort made possible through the steadfast support of the European Union and our member states across the entire region. As we hand over these Kiosk machines today, we celebrate not just new machines, but a new mindset; one that embraces digital innovation at the heart of modern government.” He said tourism continues to be our engine of growth, and now contributes 45% of the OECS total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and close to 30% of our employment. He added that these numbers represents not just visitors but livelihood. According to Dr. Jules, at the turn of the millennium, arrivals to many OECS countries were modest, fewer than 200,000 passengers, annually. “In some of those destinations today, those numbers have multiplied several times over. This is a cause for celebration, but it also compels us to transform the infrastructure and the processes that support it as global tourism becomes more competitive,” he said. Dr. Jules said travelers expect not only a beautiful destination, but also efficient hassle-free and secure entry experiences, adding that the automation of our ports of entry makes travel through our region faster, simpler and safer. “These new Kiosk machines introduced here in St. Lucia are more than pieces of hardware; it represents a new philosophy of border management,” he said He identified some of its benefit as speeding up process time in arriving and departing passengers, reducing congestion in the arrival hall, capturing accurate and timely data for immigration, customs and tourism officials and strengthening border security through advancing screening in real time. Director of Airports/SLASPA, Amy Charles said the initiative will enhance border management and the overall travel experience. “The feedback from passengers is overwhelmingly positive. Many are now completing the immigration process under30 seconds,” Charles said, describing it as a remarkable achievement. “The implementation of those kiosk complement the recent upgrade at the immigration booths and the reconfiguration of the immigration hall…” she added. Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremiah Norbert said the initiative is just a start to increase the use of technology at our airports. “We thank the OECS and the EU in supporting our government’s vision in delivering a St Lucia that is simply beautiful for the visitors on their way to enjoy our beautiful island, its people, its hospitality, cuisine, sand, beaches….” he said. Inspector Lionel, officer in charge of the immigration department also spoke of the initiative in glowing terms, saying it will augment the number of officers who are available to process passports.
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