Transgender considerations and Jamaica NIDS

The Jamaica Observer posted an article on February 25, 2021, about transgender considerations and Jamaica NIDS. Below are some key highlights:

• At the joint select committee meeting on the proposed national identification system (NIDS), held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the oral presentation of the submission by the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) was made by the Advocacy Officer, Philippa Davies.
• The discussion between Davies and the chairman, Minister Chuck, concerned the JCHS’s insistence that the Government demonstrate that citizens are truly free to choose to enrol or not enrol in the NIDS.
• The JCHS holds the view that to preserve a free and democratic society the legitimate involvement of citizens in economic and social activities of the country must not be curtailed by the Government.
• The JCHS’s point on retaining use of existing IDs was clearly understood by committee members Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte, Minister Fayval Williams, and Opposition Members of Parliament Julian Robinson and Peter Bunting, who even suggested language to accommodate the coalition’s concern.

 

Reference(s):

• https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/coalition-for-a-healthy-society-didn-t-advocate-for-transgenders-with-nids-committee_215711