The National Assembly on Friday passed the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (APIPNR) Bill, establishing a central database to enable CARICOM member states to share information on passengers and cargo transiting the region.
The legislation also aims to address transnational organised crime across the Caribbean.
The bill was developed by the legislative committee of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to strengthen multilateral cooperation and regional security. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, noted that crime remains one of the major challenges facing the region and that CARICOM Heads of Government have identified crime as a critical priority.
Nandlall explained that the legislation provides for the collection, transmission, sharing, storage, and regulation of advanced passenger information and passenger name records for individuals travelling to, departing from, or transiting through Guyana. It also operationalises the CARICOM Advance Passenger Crew Information System.
With increasing passenger traffic through regional ports, the Attorney General emphasised the importance of robust border security measures.
“It is therefore necessary that our countries in CARICOM have stringent border security laws which can prevent our countries from being exploited by terrorists and our criminal enemies,” he told the House.
He described the bill as a vital tool in the fight against serious crimes, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and other forms of transnational organised crime. The Advanced Passenger Information (API) system enables immigration, customs, and other authorities to identify persons of interest before their arrival or departure.
The Passenger Name Record (PNR) includes information provided by travellers and collected by airlines or vessel operators.
“Like API, the collection of this information is useful to law enforcement to detect, intercept and investigate criminal activity. With this information, law enforcement will be able to analyse passengers and to detect any criminal activity,” he said.
He assured that the bill contains strong safeguards for confidentiality and added that preparations are underway for implementation, including the development of infrastructure to support the recently enacted Data Protection legislation.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, supported the bill, noting that it imposes no undue burdens on airlines and aligns Guyana with internationally accepted best practices.
He said it facilitates smoother airport operations, reduces confusion among carriers, and enhances Guyana’s reputation as a secure and internationally engaged destination.
“The bill allows the relevant authorities to screen passengers before they arrive in a country, identify potential security threats early, and prevent unlawful acts of civil aviation apparatus throughout the world… This bill fits neatly with our international conventions,” Minister Indar said.
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, also supported the bill, noting that it ensures the protection of the information collected.
Opposition MP Khemraj Ramjattan endorsed the legislation and welcomed its privacy protections.
“I want you to commend the fact that we have a bill that supports all the conventions that we are obliged to attend to. This l do measure up to the standards of those…” he added.
The legislation will replace the region’s outdated framework with a modern and robust system better equipped to deal with today’s challenges. (DPI)
