KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Cabinet has approved the formulation of a National Identification System Policy for Jamaica.

This was disclosed by Education, Youth and Information Minister, Ruel Reid, who indicated that the policy is being developed for tabling as a White Paper in Parliament.

He said Cabinet further instructed that Prime Minister Andrew Holness would have carriage of its passage.

The minister was speaking during Wednesday’s post-cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House.

Reid underscored the importance of the national identification system’s recorded registration regime to all policy reviews and the accompanying planning and programme delivery of the government, citing development of the child passport as an example.

He said the passport ensured that every child is registered within the education sector in order to prevent challenges, such as inadequate seats, books, teachers and classroom facilities.

Cabinet also approved several activities for implementation consequent on reviewing recommendations relating to the National Insurance Scheme Act and Regulations.

Senator Reid said these include an operational and staffing review of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and evaluation of the governance structure, investment policies and asset allocation strategies of the National Insurance Fund (NIF), to be undertaken during the 2017/18 fiscal year.

Additionally, he said Cabinet also approved a proposal requiring all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that issue licences and permits to register and comply with NIS contribution requirements by 2019/20.

“Cabinet also gave approval that a committee be appointed in the (current) fiscal year to review each three-year actuarial report on the sustainability of the National Insurance Scheme. This is in keeping with announcements made in respect of the handling of the National Insurance Fund,” Senator Reid added.