Bahamas Becomes First International US TSA PreCheck at LPIA

By: Lindsay Thompson

Bahamas Information Services

#TheBahamas, March 3, 2022 – The Bahamas has become the first international destination outside the United States to have a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck at its main airport.

This happened on Thursday, February 24, 2022 during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of a TSA PreCheck lane at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Among the dignitaries and invited guests were the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation,  Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, United States Embassy, Nassau; and TSA Regional Director Karen Hanlon.

The deputy prime minister in his remarks deemed it a “Red Letter Day” for relations between both countries.

“This is a big deal for our country and our friendship and partnership with the USA. This is the first of its kind anywhere outside of the USA. We can now boast of sun, sand, sea, warmth of our people and TSA PreCheck.”

The idea of the expedited screening programme was conceptualized through a 90-day pilot project from August 2, 2021 to November 4, 2021.

The US Department of Homeland Security through its agency, The Transport Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the Government of The Bahamas initiated the programme for the establishment of a TSA PreCheck at the LPIA.

TSA PreCheck was established through the 2013 Memorandum of Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on matters relative to Civil Aviation Security.

The TSA PreCheck is touted as “a Trusted Traveler Programme” that allows   members of select frequent flyer programmes, members of Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri and US Military, and cadets to receive accelerated and   more   seamless   security screening for domestic and international flights.

And, following the success of the pilot programme, the United States   Department   of   Homeland   Security through its TSA agency and the government of  The   Bahamas agreed to fully incorporate this programme   at   LPIA   on   a permanent basis.

“This considerable milestone speaks positively to the   benefits   of   two   countries   working together to reinforce and prioritize matters of mutual global aviation security, safety and travelers’ efficiencies,” the deputy prime minister said.

He added, “We recognize that both our countries enjoy a long-standing relationship in reciprocity that sees mutual commercial, national security and economic benefits, due to our proximity and the fact that we share a border.”

The deputy prime minister also noted that the growth in tourism numbers, reflect a 94 percent of stopover visitors in 2021 originated from the United States.

“These numbers do not only speak to the pent-up demand for our destination, but more so, speak   clearly   about   the   strength   of   The United   States   as   our   key   source   market partner, during this most critical period in our economic rebound and recovery.”

Moreover, he mentioned that the country’s post-COVID-19 pandemic stopover arrivals outlook remains optimistic not only for Nassau/New Providence but for the Islands which comprise diverse cultures. He assured that the government, through the tourism ministry remains committed to delivering safe, efficient and memorable experiences for visitors from arrival to departure.

“That is why this initiative is so important, and we are most confident, that this Trusted Traveler Programme, currently available at more than 200 airports across the United States, will continue to improve operational efficiency and   create   a safer   and   more   enhanced passenger experience,” the deputy prime minister said.

This also provides the LPIA with “an even greater competitive advantage, especially when coupled with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).

Photo Captions: 

Header:A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of a US Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck was held at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, held Thursday, February 24, 2022.  Pictured from left to right: Peter Rutherford Sr., Acting General Manager, Airport Authority; Dr Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General, MOTIA; Dwayne Murray, TSA Representative, International Operations; Karen Hanlon, TSA Regional Director International Operations; Chargé d’ Affaires Usha Pitts, United States Embassy, Nassau; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Senator the Hon. Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant/Sr. Advisor, MOTIA; Reginald Saunders, Permanent Secretary, MOTIA; Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD); and Paul Bevans, Chairman of the Board, Airport Authority.

Insert:Pictured left to right: Karen Hanlon, TSA Regional Director International Operations; Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, United States Embassy, Nassau; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Reginald Saunders, Permanent Secretary, MOTIA; and Paul Bevans, Chairman of the Board, Airport Authority.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)