NIDS is back PM pushing for new national identification system to be in place by year end

By Balford Henry Senior staff reporter
balfordh@jamaicaobserver.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

A new National Identification and Registration Bill has been completed and is being reviewed at the Cabinet level, Prime Minister Andrew Holness informed the House of Representatives yesterday.

This follows the significant landmark reached in April when the Cabinet approved the draft for a new voluntary National Identification and Registration Policy, which includes the introduction of a national identification system (NIDS).

Holness said that the Bill has been completed and is being reviewed by the NIDS Policy Committee and the Legislation Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Cabinet, and he is hoping that it will be passed by year end.

He said that substantial changes were made to the original policy, which was rejected by the Supreme Court after being passed in the House of Representatives in 2017, and are reflected in the new policy, including voluntary enrolment under the NIDS and the use of minimum biometrics which are fingerprints, a facial image and manual signature only.

He said that his Government is fully cognisant of, and sensitive to the legitimate concerns that persons have regarding data protection and privacy. However, he said that the Government is committed to putting in place the legislative, technological, and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure that the rights of persons are respected and protected.

“This Government intends to embrace a collaborative approach through the traditional process of getting the legislation passed. The Government will also provide an online forum on NIDSFACTS.COM for all Jamaicans to comment on the Bill,” Holness said.

He stated that once the Bill is tabled in Parliament a joint select committee (JSC), comprising members from both sides, will be put in place to navigate the deliberations and arrive at a satisfactory National Identification and Registration Bill.