Former Customs boss Danville Walker is lobbying the Government to invest in automated border-control systems, also known as eGates, at Jamaica’s ports, arguing that the move would increase efficiency with the processing of “thousands” of passengers in record time.
“Where we are is years behind where we’re going to be. That’s all I’m saying,” Walker told The Gleaner on Thursday.
The former commissioner of Customs has been facing backlash after he posited on a social media platform that Jamaica’s next move should be the “removal of immigration officers” following the implementation of the C5 form.
The form allows air passengers to input their information before travelling and submit it online through a secured portal.
Walker said that with that form, the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) would have had all passenger data needed before takeoff.
He said an immigration officer stamping visitors’ passports is redundant.
On Thursday, Walker maintained his position, noting that his post was a suggestion for PICA to have immigration officers work more efficiently and in areas where they are needed.
“What those officers need to be doing is sitting behind a computer looking at metrics. How many times has X come here for this year, for this month, or this week? That’s how smugglers behave,” he said.
He said the passenger would be flagged by an officer and interrogated.
“You don’t need an entire line to get to X. Bring in that person, and you let the rest go so they have the experience they came here to have,” said Walker.
However, in a media statement earlier on Thursday, the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), one of the unions that represent immigration officers, said it found Walker’s social media post “disconcerting”.
The union said immigration officers serve a pivotal role and are front-line guardians of Jamaica’s borders.
“They are responsible for vetting and processing individuals seeking entry. Their role extends beyond routine administrative tasks. They actively contribute to national security by identifying potential risks such as individuals with criminal backgrounds or those who may pose a threat to public safety,” JCSA President Techa Clarke-Griffiths said in the statement.
Further, she said officers play a pivotal role in upholding the principles of the rule of law, ensuring that immigration policies are followed and preventing illegal entry.
Clarke-Griffiths said that by carefully screening and processing applicants, they contribute to the overall integrity of the immigration system.
“In an era of heightened global mobility and inter-connectedness, immigration officers are essential for fostering a balance between openness and security … . Though we recognise the significance of emerging technologies, we firmly believe that these technologies should enhance the work of immigration officers rather than jeopardise their roles or lead to their separation from employment.
“Their work does not only entail stamping passports. These individuals form a critical part of the security landscape, and the JCSA appreciates their work and worth,” said Clarke-Griffiths.
The eGates are self-service barriers that use data stored in passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering to verify the passport holder’s identity.
Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities.
After the identification process is complete and the passport holder’s identity is verified, a physical barrier, such as a gate or turnstile, opens to permit passage.
If the passport holder’s identification is not verified or if the system malfunctions, then the gate or turnstile does not open and an immigration officer will meet the person.
“Put in eGates. Integrate the C5 information in the eGate, and you will process thousands. If you have a problem with a person, you flag them through the eGate and then interrogate. That’s technology; that’s how we must be thinking. Not how do I build a bigger terminal at a big cost to Jamaica,” said Walker.