The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up to launch a cutting-edge ePassport Issuing Control System (ePICS) slated for a November 2024 rollout. In preparation for this significant advancement, key officials from the Ministry of National Security, including Permanent Secretary Glenroy Blanchette, Chief Immigration Officer Sheldon Jeffers, and Passport Office Supervisor Floretta Saunders, traveled to Canada to collaborate with Canadian Bank Note, their long-standing service provider.

Chief Immigration Officer Sheldon Jeffers highlighted the transformative potential of the new ePICS, stating that it will not only transition operations to a nearly paperless system but also unveil a redesigned ePassport. This new passport will feature robust security enhancements while showcasing the unique culture, history, and landmarks of St. Kitts and Nevis.

In a landmark move, St. Kitts and Nevis has also joined the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD). This development is a result of extensive consultations with Canadian Bank Note. The Ministry of National Security formalized its registration with ICAO on August 15, 2024, and by September 5, 2024, proudly became the latest member of the ICAO PKD. St. Kitts and Nevis now becomes only the third CARICOM nation among 193 global participants to join this prestigious network.

The ICAO PKD is essential for ensuring worldwide interoperability of ePassports. It enables real-time passport authentication both domestically and at international borders, enhancing the integrity and security of the digital information embedded in each passport’s chip.

Serving as a central repository, the Public Key Directory (PKD) facilitates the exchange of data necessary to authenticate electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs), which include ePassports, electronic ID cards, and Visible Digital Seals. ePassports are vital in international travel, owing to their integrated closed-circuit chip, which must be authenticated at border controls to fully realize their security advantages.

“These improvements in our passport and issuing systems comply with ICAO Doc 9303,” explained Permanent Secretary Glenroy Blanchette. “This document sets the standardized specifications for machine-readable travel documents, thereby ensuring global interoperability and boosting the security and efficiency of international travel.”

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the nation's security measures, reinforcing the government's commitment to facilitating seamless travel for all citizens while safeguarding their security and safety.