9 IN A momentous development for Jamaican travel security, Jamaica has officially joined the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD). The landmark event took place during a Key Ceremony on July 18 where Jamaica became the 93rd country to be incorporated into this crucial international network. The PKD is a global framework designed to enhance the security of travel documents, including passports. By joining the PKD, Jamaica has taken a significant step forward in bolstering the international trust in its passport security. The Key Ceremony was marked by the formal signing of an official document by Garth Williams, acting CEO of the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA), who represented Jamaica. He was accompanied by Marsha Coore-Lobban, high commissioner of Jamaica to Canada and representative of Jamaica on the ICAO Council.This confirms Jamaica’s successful integration into the PKD. The integration into the PKD is expected to bring numerous benefits, including but not limited to the following: 1. Enhanced border security 2. Compliance with globally accepted standards for biometric passports (ICAO Doc.9303) 3. Improved efficiency at border crossings 4. Strengthened national’s security 5. Increased protection against identity theft 6. Global trust and improved reputation This inclusion in the PKD represents a crucial step in Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of its travel documentation. RETURNING RESIDENTS who are interested in starting a business are encouraged to utilise the Jamaica Business Gateway for assistance. MINISTER OF Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill said the electronic platform will assist individuals in overcoming obstacles associated with business development. “Please go to the Jamaica Business Gateway or come to the ministry. We have 20 agencies that will help you to get settled. The Jamaica ‘Business Ministry’ is here to help you,” he said. Hill was responding to questions from members of the public during a guest appearance on a Jamaican radio talk show recently. He noted that the platform is one of the mechanisms being used to facilitate starting a business, providing entities with the information and resources needed. Through the platform, individuals may register local and overseas companies, individuals and firms conducting business in Jamaica; acquire a Clearance Letter – a prerequisite for obtaining a tax compliance certificate (TCC); acquire the TCC, tax registration number, and a General Consumption Tax certificate The Jamaica Business Gateway can be found on the JAMPRO web site: www.dobusinessjamaica.com. It is the one-stop place for investment information, applications, and much more. Returning residents urged to use Business Gateway site Jamaica joins ICAO Public Key Directory Sharing in the moment are from left; Arun Misa (Director, Bureau of Administration and Services-International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Garth Williams-CEO Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (Assigned), Marsha Coore Lobban, High Commissioner for Jamaica to Canada and Jamaica’s Representative to ICAO, J uan Lamosa, Chief Aviation Security Audit Section Air Transport Bureau and Anna Dzhenkova, Senior Programme Associate, PKD. CONTRIBUTED - A major milestone for passport security THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 10 - NOVEMBER 6, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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