The recent passing of the Advance Passenger Information Bill (known also as the APIS Bill) is a clear illustration that security remains front and centre for the St Kitts and Nevis Government, led by Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris.
The Bill will enable agencies such as the Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) to screen crew members and passengers who are travelling within the region against Watch Lists before providing that data to other global intelligence alliances such as the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
The Bill is one more iteration of the Government’s ongoing commitment to sharing intelligence and strengthening safeguards. It stands alongside the robust changes made in the past two years to the due diligence process of the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, which saw improvements in anti-money laundering and counterterrorism measures, as well as collaboration with independent risk assessment firms, allies, and international partners.
St Kitts and Nevis strengthened the due diligence process
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended St Kitts and Nevis for the changes, noting that the Government “strengthened the due diligence process with dedicated resources and global collaboration, as this is essential to reduce integrity and security risks, preserve the programme’s credibility, and avoid a race-to-the-bottom.”
Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Harris commented on the timeliness of the Bill especially “when terrorism has again raised its ugly head in the world” in relation to the Manchester bombing.
The APIS Bill marks yet another milestone in safeguarding the integrity of the St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Programme.