First departure to Barbados using e-ID card
Guyana and Barbados continue to strengthen regional integration, with the first departure from Guyana to Barbados using the electronic identification (e-ID) card as a travel document between the two countries.
The historic moment took place on Wednesday at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, as officials from both countries observed the full travel process, including airline check-in, immigration clearance, and duty-free shop purchase using the digital identification card.
Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally noted that the initiative reflects the strong relationship and the continued collaboration between the governments of both countries.
“It comes out of the excellent relationship that we have shared between Guyana and Barbados, the excellent relationship between President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who are both visionaries and want to see so much for the people of Guyana and Barbados as well.”
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise services and make movement across the region easier and more efficient. The e-ID card is expected to have applications beyond Guyana to Barbados travel, with plans for increased regional use.
“We are not going to stop here. The e-ID card will also be used for travel throughout the Caribbean,” he said. “What we are doing here today is the first day that this card will be used on Caribbean Airlines, as well as other airlines, and we are also speaking with LIAT. More and more, you will see the integration of this card with travel throughout and within the region.”
Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology of Barbados, Jonathon Reid, also participated in the first journey using the card. He said the initiative demonstrates how technology can help improve systems and remove barriers to movement within the Caribbean.
“The idea of regional entities coming together and seeing the opportunity to optimise systems allows people to have a greater quality of life,” Minister Reid said.
Guyana’s Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford, noted that “This is an exciting time for Guyana, and it is wonderful to know that you can travel with a card from Guyana to Barbados and to travel back.”
Barbados’ Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Innes, highlighted the importance of the initiative in advancing cooperation.
“This is indeed a moment for us, great collaboration and the great friendships over the years between Guyana and Barbados. It speaks deeply to regional integration and certainly moves us in the right direction,” she said.
She further stated that Barbados looks forward to working with Guyana as we move across the borders of both countries using the e-ID card.
The implementation of the e-ID travel process was completed through collaboration among immigration authorities, airlines, customs officials, and other agencies from both countries.
The initiative marks a significant step in the push towards greater digitalisation and easier movement of citizens across the Caribbean.
