Chuck urges JPs to read NIDS bill
Published:Friday | December 18, 2020 | 12:24 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck wants justices of the peace (JPs) to carefully examine the National Identification and Registration Bill and make their contributions towards ensuring that the rights of citizens are fully protected as the Government prepares to make a second push to roll out the new National Identification System (NIDS) in 2021.
The new bill was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday with significant departures from the previous controversial law that was, last year, struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in introducing the bill, which will also feature a unique national identification number to be assigned to each person who voluntarily enrols with the system, said that the proposed law makes provisions for a secure NIDS that has the potential to transform the efficacy of interactions between the State and citizens.
AFFECTS EVERYONE
Speaking in St James yesterday, Chuck said that the public would be invited to make submissions on the bill as it will affect every Jamaican, including those who do not voluntarily register for NIDS.
“... It is important that you see what is in the bill so that you can feel confident that the bill will not only protect you, but will protect your identity and avoid fraud across different levels in Jamaica,” Chuck said while addressing 45 newly commissioned JPs in St James.
He said that the new law would reduce the risk of corruption and eliminate the need for JPs to authorise photographs, among other things.
“Justices of the peace, I am begging you, try and read a copy. The language is not legal. It’s very simple and straightforward ... . I have shared it on WhatsApp, and I am asking those who get it to circulate it,” he said.
“After it was brought to my attention, I took an evening to read it, but I must admit that afterwards, at a legislation committee, we went through phrase by phrase, line by line, clause by clause to make sure that we have a good bill,” stated Chuck. “But that doesn’t mean we have a perfect bill. If any of you read it and see how it can be improved, let Senator [Charles] Sinclair or Custos [Conrad Pitkin] know that you don’t like this phrase, and you think that it could be better written for clarity.”