OECS Advances Border Management in Saint Lucia with New Self-Service Technology

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has donated ten state-of-the-art automated kiosk machines to Saint Lucia, with eight installed at the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) and two servicing George F. L. Charles Airport. This milestone marks a significant step in the implementation of the OECS Border Management Enhancement Programme, supported by the European Union (EU) through the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) Programme. 

Through this initiative, the OECS Commission in collaboration with the EU and Member States is advancing the modernisation of the main ports of entry across the OECS region, which will allow for enhanced border security and improvements in the passenger processing procedures, resulting in less congestion of passengers at the arrival halls. 

Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules spoke at the official handover ceremony which was held at the (HIA)

“As global tourism becomes more competitive, travelers expect not only beautiful destinations but also efficient, hassle-free, and secure entry experiences. That is why the OECS Commission, together with the EU and our Member States, is investing in the automation of our ports of entry to make travel through our region faster, simpler, and safer.”

Achieving this outcome takes significant investment, says Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, Minister for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities in his remarks. He stated the Government of Saint Lucia is proud to have invested in a robust Border Management System.

"To sustain the global competitiveness of our tourism sector and to continue addressing border security issues, a closer examination of our Border Management Systems and procedures is necessary. The existence of an efficient and effective system is critical to ensure that high risk passengers are denied entry into our country and that the legitimate passengers, visitors, citizens, OECS and CARICOM nationals are processed seamlessly upon entry and exit into our country."

This donation of the 10 kiosk machines at Saint Lucia’s two airports follows the handover of 6 kiosk machines to the Government and people of Grenada on March 6, 2025. The OECS Commission, working along with its development partners, remains dedicated in delivering meaningful initiatives such as technological enhancement initiatives to all its Member States and to make every OECS port of entry travel-friendly and globally competitive.