Minister without portfolio in the office of the Prime Minister, Floyd Green is urging Jamaicans to read and provide feedback on the National Identification System (NIDS) regulations that were tabled in Parliament and available for public viewing by February 21, 2023.

The draft regulations will outline the processes of application, renewal and cancellation of NIDS cards. Jamaicans will also see regulations addressing security, assignment of NIDS numbers and tribunal appeal.

Green, who was speaking during his address in Parliament urged members of the House to seek feedback from those in their constituency.

“We’re encouraging the members of this House to take the regulations, to speak to their various constituencies to inform their constituence and to get feedback. [They should also] pass that feedback to the Office of the Prime Minister.”

He added that he is also encouraging “all Jamaicans, eligible residents to read the regulations. Feedback should be provided to the Office of the Prime Minister, the NIDS project executing team and we have established an email address, [email protected].”

A deadline of February 21, 2023 was then given for feedback on the regulations to be provided.

Green noted that “it is intended that the regulations will be in place by the first quarter of the new financial year.”

In order to ensure a smooth process, he said that adequate time is needed for the feedback to be reviewed and changes made if necessary before the matter is debated in Parliament.

“We are determined to make the lives of our citizens easier, but we are also determined to ensure that they participate in this process.”

The National Identification System is a database that will collect person information and biometric data of all citizens in Jamaica who wish to participate, issuing them a unique lifelong National Identification Number. This number will serve as a secure and reliable way of verifying a person’s identity.

– Send feedback to [email protected]