The National Identification and Registration Inspectorate (NIRI) is now empowered to provide oversight of the National Identification and Registration Inspectorate Authority (NIRA) to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of citizen’s data under the National Identification System (NIDS).

Senator Dana Morris Dixon, minister without portfolio responsible for skills and digital transformation, shared the news with members of the Upper House today, July 14, during her State of the Nation speech in Gordon House.

She further noted that the Government plans to bring the NIDS regulations to Parliament in September 2023 to advance the roll-out of the digital ID.

“The Government is far advanced in completing the NIRA and NIRI organisation design approvals. The Government intends to put in place the resources to govern and operationalise Jamaica’s first national identification and registration authority as prescribed by law this calendar year,” said Morris Dixon.

She continued: “I am pleased to advise that NIRI, which comprises the Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, is now positioned to provide independent oversight of NIRA, which is required under the law”.

Additionally, the newly minted senator spoke about the modifications being done to post offices islandwide to be used as NITA enrolment sites.

She noted that the Government previously requested a proposal to modify 10 post offices for use as enrolment sites to mimic that of the Central Sorting Office in Kingston. Additionally, she said the Government will make another proposal in August for an additional 10 post offices to be modified.

Three additional post offices will also be modified to expand enrolment in Kingston.

“These modification projects bring capital investments to the Jamaica Post that it has not seen for over 40 years. We invite the public to visit the Central Sorting Office on South Camp Road to see the model that will be extended to over 23 additional post offices in parish capitals and towns,” said the Government senator.

The Government is looking toward the national roll-out of the new National Identification System (NIDS) in the second quarter of 2023.

NIDS, an electronic form of identity, will provide a comprehensive and secure database for capturing and storing the personal information of citizens and non-nationals ordinarily resident in the country. Members of the Jamaican diaspora will also be able to register for the new identification card.