Dowers: Technology can strengthen borders, but technology alone is not enough

ORANJESTAD — Aruba is hosting the two-day SITA Borders User Forum, bringing together government and tourism-sector representatives from the Caribbean and Central America to exchange knowledge on modern technology for aviation and border management.

SITA, originally Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques, is a global provider of information and communications technology for the aviation industry. Its systems are used by airlines, airports and governments in areas including passenger processing, digital identity, biometrics, information exchange and border control.

Justice Minister Arthur Dowers opened the forum at Embassy Suites Aruba and stressed that modern technology can strengthen border security and efficiency, but technology alone is not enough. Trained personnel, strong cooperation between agencies and effective information sharing are equally important, he said.

The forum focuses on digital travel processes, digital identity and biometrics, passenger processing, information exchange and technology aimed at making airport operations and border controls faster and more secure.

For Aruba, which depends heavily on air connectivity and tourism, modern border management is strategically important. Dowers said the forum gives Aruba an opportunity to exchange experience with international partners and explore solutions that could shape the future of travel and border security.