JPs Have a Role to Play in Promoting NIDS – Minister Chuck

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says Justices of the Peace (JPs) have a role to play in promoting the National Identification System (NIDS).

“We are going to be urging the over 11,000 JPs across the island to really be part of this National Identification System, to promote it, to neutralise the misinformation that will go around,” Mr. Chuck said.

He was speaking during a sensitisation session for JPs serving the parishes of Kingston and St Andrew, at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on Thursday (June 27).

The NIDS is a unique, reliable and secure way of verifying an individual’s identity.

It will establish a reliable database of all Jamaican citizens and involve the issuance of a unique lifelong National Identification Number to every person.

Mr. Chuck told the JPs that there is “no ulterior motive for the NIDS; it’s a straightforward system for the Government to serve you better”.

“We want the justices of the peace to be equipped with information, but most importantly not to misinform. That is why we have a toll-free number – 888-458-7842; and if somebody asks you about a justice programme that you are not sure about, don’t give the impression you know everything… just tell them to call,” he added.

Minister Chuck also informed that the NIDS card will include a feature to verify JPs.

“So, on the national ID, if you are a JP, up to date [and] registered, then the Custos [Rotulorum] and his office will approve that you are a JP and, therefore, ‘JP’ will be on the card. So, there won’t be a separate JP identification, the national ID will show you as a JP,” Mr. Chuck stated.

The sensitisation session formed part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen the capacity of JPs and enlighten JP Association executive members on the policies and procedures that will broaden the scope of their service delivery.

Among the topics discussed during Thursday’s session were the National Identification System by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), land matters by the National Land Agency (NLA), Victim Services and You by the Victim Services Branch (VSB) under the Social Justice Division, Estate Planning by the Administrator General’s Department (AGD), and From Birth to Death by the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).