There are many reasons why we need a NIDS:
- To facilitate the simplification of bureaucracy in the public sector.
- Traditionally, in Jamaica, identity has been verified through functional identity documents such as passports, Taxpayer Registration Numbers, Voter Identification Cards, School Identification Cards and Driver’s licences, although these forms of identification were not issued for an assortment of purposes. In many instances, such as when opening a bank account, at least two documents are required to prove identity. This is a time-consuming and inefficient way of verifying identity and it relies on people being able to provide multiple identity documents. All of the above lack the capabilities to trust and securely verify someone’s identity without presence at a physical government or private sector office.
- Cost factors prohibit many persons from acquiring either a driver’s licence or passport; therefore, these persons cannot provide two identification documents as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements while carrying out commercial transactions with the public and private sectors.
- Individuals under 18 years of age are disproportionately and negatively impacted by the limited means (for example, only a passport) to prove their identity. This lack of identification makes it difficult for them to access social and other services.
- Identity theft and fraud are growing problems in Jamaica and a National Identification Card (NIC) provides an avenue for greater security and privacy of personal information when carrying out electronic and paper-based transactions.
- The lack of a trusted, inter-operable and easy-to-use electronic identification poses a major obstacle to completing these types of transactions securely and efficiently in Jamaica without physically appearing at a government office.
- Establishing a NIDS will contribute to achieving several crucial ‘Vision 2030’ goals, including:
- adequate social protection,
- security and safety
- effective governance
- an enabling business environment
- a technology-enabled society and
- improved national competitiveness
