THROUGH a joint initiative with the US Department of State’s INL Bureau, the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division partnered with the Guyana Police Force to upgrade the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).

According to information from the US Embassy in Guyana, the enhanced biometric system will strengthen border security, support counter-terrorism efforts, and help combat transnational organised crime by delivering faster, more accurate threat identification.

This follows the recent landmark passage of the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (APIPNR) Bill in the National Assembly, 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 co-operation and regional security.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, noted that crime remains one of the major challenges facing the region. He pointed out 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.