Jamaica's new ID system to leverage govt's IT infra

The implementation of the so-called national identification system (NIDS) by Jamaica's government will prompt the modernization of public IT infrastructure, supporting it via a ripple effect.

NIDS director Warren Vernon expects the system to roll out in 2019.

In the meantime, several procurement processes and tenders for the acquisition of hardware, software and services related to the implementation of the project should be opened.

Among the equipment likely to be sought are enrolment stations, computer systems, fingerprint scanners, cameras, and manual signature capture devices.

"Most of the project's budget will be used to upgrade the government's data centre, which is e-Gov. [and includes] all of the ministries, departments and agencies providing connectivity [and] ensuring that the relevant security systems and processes are in place," Vernon was quoted as saying by the Jamaican government news service.

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, the government said.

Under the system, each citizen will be provided with a randomized nine-digit national identification number valid for life.

The bill passed the senate on November 13 with 168 amendments and went back to the lower house for a new vote.