With the knowledge of the many challenges needy, undocumented Jamaican nationals face, the Government of Jamaica will be embarking on a project to provide these individuals with a birth certificate free of cost.

‘Project Birthright’, as the programme is being referred to, will provide free birth certificates for undocumented Jamaicans with less than J$37,000 household income monthly.

The disclosure was made by Floyd Green, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, during his contribution to the 2022-2023 Sectoral Debate on Tuesday (May 24).

“All of us in this House have come across persons in our constituencies who have no birth certificates,” said Green.

“Unfortunately, the issue normally presents itself at the worst possible times for the individual, as it is normally when they are trying to do some business or access a Government service.”

He noted that in many cases these individuals turn to councillors and members of parliament for assistance because they are unable to afford the cost associated with obtaining a birth certificate.

With this in mind, the minister shared: “In this our 60th year of Independence, we are embarking on Project BirthRight… . Through the programme, the NIDS (National Identification System) Project in collaboration with the RGD (Registrar General’s Department) will develop, implement and promote outreach programmes at the RGD’s branch offices and across various communities for registering needy, undocumented Jamaican nationals.”

According to Green, J$50 million has been allocated for the project, with an expectation it will benefit over 11,000 undocumented eligible Jamaicans over the course of this year.

Project BirthRight will be officially launched in July, at which time registration forms will be available at the RGD’s branch offices, the official website, the NIDS Facts website, and on related social media pages.

To kickstart the programme, and in keeping with Jamaica 60 celebrations, the minister tasked each member of parliament to supply the names of 60 persons within their constituency who are in need of birth certificates and fit the established criteria.

“In this our 60th year we are going to take steps to ensure that each Jamaican can claim their birthright, starting with their birth certificate,” stated Green.