The Jamaica Information Service published an article on December 16, 2020, about the New voluntary National Identification System (NIDS) bill introduced by Prime Minister, the Most Honorable, Andrew Holness. Here’s a quick summary just for you.
On Tuesday, December 15, Prime Minister, Andrew Holness presented the National Identification and Registration Act, 2020, which provides Jamaica with provisions for a voluntary and safe National Identification System (NIDS).
Key points:
- Prime Minister Holness, speaking in the House of Representatives, said that the identification scheme could enhance the effectiveness and openness of interactions between the state and citizens and residents, with substantial additional positive effects for private enterprises.
- The Prime Minister noted that the government had taken measures to amend the National Identification and Registration Policy of 2016 following the Supreme Court ruling dated April 20, 2019. The policy now allows for a voluntary NIDS providing citizens and resident in Jamaica with a secure, effective and convenient means of identification.
- Prime Minister Holness advised the House that there must be voluntary involvement by eligible persons in the system, stating that only biographic and biometric data will be collected which are absolutely required to ensure the effectiveness of the process.
- He informed the House that the implementation of the Act would lead to achieving the main objectives of Vision 2030, including adequate social protection, safety and security, practical governance, and encouraging business climate, a technology-enabled society and enhanced national competitiveness.
Reference: jis.gov.jm
Contributed by: Sabrina Shim from Jamaica. Sabrina is a member of the WISC Discord group from the G5 Cyber Security Foundation Ltd. Learn more about WISC (Women in InfoSec Caribbean) at wiscaribbean.org. WISC is a non-profit initiative supporting Caribbean women and girls to develop a career in Information Security.