KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith says he notes with interest the Government’s announcement of an approved contract valued at US$3.7 million, for the procurement of 750,000 passports to satisfy the local and overseas demand for Jamaican passports for the next three to four years.

“In light of the raft of questions this transaction raises and the clarification that is needed at this time, the Government is being urged to go beyond the announcement it has made, and provide details regarding the contracting process and the specifications of the passports being procured,” he said in a release today.

“The Government must assure the taxpayers of this country, that the investment it is seeking to make in relation to these specific passports is one that is worthwhile. There is need for a clear indication as to whether this awarded contract was subjected to the open tender process, and whether the passports being procured meet the criteria for modern passports, in terms of compatibility with the technology and direction other countries are moving in, as this would have implications for the smooth and seamless flow of holders of these passports through immigration and customs around the world,” Smith said.

 Smith said that the Government needs to be forthcoming with answers regarding details of the procurement, as the matter has far-reaching implications for Jamaican passport holders and is of interest to the general public.

“Failure to do so will see the Opposition asking pertinent questions in Parliament and inviting the Contractor General to take active interest in the matter,” he stated.