State seeks funding to finance nat'l IDs

The Government is now negotiating with a multilateral institution to finance the long-awaited National Identification System (NIDS) implementation plan.

A White Paper tabled yesterday in the House of Representatives outlined that the enrolment of Jamaicans will begin in December 2017 with the registration of the population.

According to the ministry paper, the NIDS will be implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), with support from a number of key public-sector bodies.

In addition, the Government plans to transform the Registrar General's Department (RGD) into the Jamaica National Identification Agency. This entity will operate out of the offices of the OPM.

Under the NIDS, a secure and unique National Identification Number (NIN) will be generated and assigned to each Jamaican from birth to death. A number will also be assigned to anyone who has obtained citizenship by registration or naturalisation under the Jamaican Nationality Act.

"The NIN shall be a computer generated random nine-digit number and bear no attributes or identity of the person to whom it is assigned," the paper stated. The NIN will be deactivated upon the death of the individual or the renunciation or revocation of citizenship.

Biometric database

Jamaicans will be issued a national identification card consisting of a unique NIN, core personal data and biometric data will also be issued to each registered person.

The Government will also establish a National Civil and Biometric Database (NCBD) in support of the NIDS. This will contain information on personal identity and biometric data for citizens and persons ordinarily resident in Jamaica.

The administration has given the assurance that it will ensure the protection, security and privacy of the identity information of registered persons stored in the NCBD through legislation establishing and regulating the NIDS.

Several pieces of legislation will be amended with the introduction of the NIDS. The statutes to be amended are the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act, Marriage Act, Forgery Act, Passport Act, Immigration Restriction (Commonwealth Citizens) Act, Jamaican Nationality Act, Representation of the People Act, Revenue Administration Act and Access to Information Act.