The cutting-edge technology promises to deliver faster, safer, and more seamless travel experiences for citizens and visitors alike.
The official launch ceremony, held in Castries, was a vibrant showcase of innovation, partnership, and progress, featuring a ribbon-cutting and live demonstrations of the kiosks in action. The initiative forms part of the EU-funded Regional Integration through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) Programme, which supports the digital transformation of border management across the OECS.
Installed at key ports of entry, the kiosks will streamline immigration processing through facial recognition, biometric verification, and automated data capture, dramatically reducing wait times and improving security.
Minister for Justice, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, hailed the investment as a milestone in Saint Lucia’s modernization efforts.
“These passport kiosks are more than just machines, they represent progress, efficiency, and innovation. They strengthen our border management systems while making travel more convenient for everyone. Saint Lucia is proud to lead this transformation in smarter travel across the OECS,” Minister Norbert said.
Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, described the handover as a defining moment in the region’s journey toward smarter, technology-driven borders. He emphasized that automation is not merely about convenience but about reimagining the way the region manages security and facilitates movement.
“These new self-service kiosk machines being introduced here in Saint Lucia are more than pieces of hardware, they represent a new philosophy of border management,” Dr. Jules stated. “Automation allows us to balance two imperatives, facilitation and security, ensuring that visitors experience Caribbean warmth and efficiency from the moment they arrive, while our governments maintain robust control of who enters and exits our borders.”
Dr. Jules further underscored the economic importance of modernizing ports of entry, noting that tourism contributes nearly 45 percent of the OECS’s total GDP and provides close to 30 percent of employment across the subregion. He commended the European Union and the Government of Saint Lucia for their continued partnership in advancing regional integration through smart technology.
With the deployment of these kiosks, Saint Lucia positions itself at the forefront of digital transformation and regional connectivity, setting a new benchmark for travel efficiency and security within the OECS.
“Saint Lucia’s borders just got smarter, and this marks the beginning of a new era in seamless travel across the Eastern Caribbean”, remarked the Justice Minister.