Working Group to Develop Regulations for NIDS

A multisectoral Working Group is to be established to commence development of the accompanying regulations for the National Identification and Registration Act.

The regulations are expected to significantly underpin the governance framework for the proposed National Identification System (NIDS).

This was disclosed by Chief Technical Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division in the Office of the Prime Minister with oversight for NIDS, Jacqueline Lynch-Stewart, at the annual Norman Manley Lecture, held at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in St. Andrew, on Thursday (March 15).

Mrs. Lynch-Stewart said representatives of the church, civil society, and the private sector are among the stakeholders who will be invited to sit on the Working Group to undertake work on the regulations, which she indicated will commence soon.

“When we complete the regulations, they will be placed on our website for citizens to make comments. That’s the approach we are taking,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lynch-Stewart reiterated that the legislation will be reviewed by the Houses of Parliament within 18 months of its passage, in keeping with the Government’s undertaking to ensure transparency as it relates to the NIDS.

The Chief Technical Director said she and her team have been dialoguing with various stakeholders across the society to get their feedback on the legislation and NIDS.

It is also expected that feedback to the regulations posted on the NIDS Project website will also be considered.

Mrs. Lynch again emphasised the importance of the NIDS, which, she said, would significantly reduce the possibility of identity theft consequent on the incorporation of data unique to the holders of ID cards to be issued following enrolment; and the ease with which persons will be able to do business and access goods and services.

The Lecture was organised by the Norman Manley Law School Students’ Association.