Holness to lead islandwide NIDS tour

Amid an outcry for more consultations before the implementation of the controversial National Identification System (NIDS), Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he will be embarking on a tour of the island to facilitate discussions with churches and citizens.

Addressing the 74th annual conference of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) yesterday Holness said that he has been listening to the concerns and he was still open to consultations.

The prime minister said the introduction of NIDS is not going to bring down any calamity on Jamaica.

In fact, he said the identification system will prevent calamity as it will improve security by unearthing those persons who lurk in dark corners and who seek to wreak havoc on the lives of decent and law abiding citizens.

The bill that authorises the enactment of the law for the new NIDS was unanimously passed in Parliament on November 21.

It will now go to the Governor General for assent then it is enacted as law.

However, concerns linger about the intrusive nature of the NIDS which makes it mandatory for persons to enrol, as well as submit biometric data.

The Opposition People's National Party has threatened to take the government to court over the NIDS.