Antigua and Barbuda is moving closer to implementing a new passenger information system aimed at identifying potential security risks and strengthening the country’s ability to combat transnational crime.

Cabinet has agreed to proceed with a Passenger Name Record (PNR) Framework in partnership with the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, CARICOM IMPACS.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Minister E. Paul Chet Greene updated Cabinet on the initiative, which follows the passage of legislation governing the collection and use of Passenger Name Record information in Antigua and Barbuda.

Under the arrangement, the country will gain access to CARICOM IMPACS’ regional PNR system, which allows authorities to securely collect, process and analyse passenger information for risk-assessment purposes.

The system is intended to help border and security officials identify potentially high-risk travellers while ensuring passenger information is handled in accordance with local laws and data-protection requirements.

The initiative will also support the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda’s Passenger Information Unit, which will be responsible for handling and analysing the information.

Officers assigned to the unit will receive specialised training in passenger risk analysis, intelligence development, PNR processing and data protection.

CARICOM IMPACS will also assist with developing the policies, procedures and operational protocols required to run the unit.

According to the government, using the existing regional system will allow Antigua and Barbuda to benefit from CARICOM’s security infrastructure and expertise without the significantly higher cost of establishing and maintaining an independent national system.

Cabinet has approved moving ahead with the arrangement, with CARICOM IMPACS and national authorities expected to finalise technical requirements, responsibilities and a timeline for implementation.

The government said the initiative forms part of wider efforts to modernise border management, strengthen national security and deepen security cooperation across the Caribbean.