Ministry of Labour and Social Security Endorses NIDS

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has endorsed the National Identification System (NIDS) Act, which was passed in the Senate on Monday (November 13), noting that it will be beneficial to the disabled community.

In a statement from the Ministry on Tuesday (November 14), Portfolio Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, said NIDS is a move in the right direction, which will be pivotal in strengthening the capacity of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

She assures Jamaicans living with disabilities that the provisions underpinning the NIDS are consistent with the Disabilities Act that was passed in 2014.

“It is imperative that persons with disabilities are empowered and feel that they are a part of what is happening in the society, and NIDS is now an additional arm to facilitate this process,” she said.

Mrs. Robinson said the JCPD recently launched a media campaign to increase awareness among Jamaicans about the Disabilities Act, which addresses the need for inclusion and outlines the reasonable arrangements that need to be in place for persons with disabilities.

She added that the registration of all citizens, particularly those living with disabilities, is, therefore, critical in enabling the Government to properly identify and plan for these persons.

The NIDS, which is being facilitated under the National Identification and Registration Bill, will provide a comprehensive and secure structure to enable the capture and storage of identity information for all Jamaicans.

Roll-out of the NIDS is slated to begin with a pilot project in January 2019, focusing on civil servants.

This is expected to be followed by the national roll-out in September 2019, over a period of three to four years.