KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaicans with disabilities and justices of the peace (JPs) will be issued with special National Identification (NIDS) cards, a move that will make it easier for them to conduct their business while saving the government millions of dollars.

Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Floyd Green, who is in charge of the roll out of the National Identification and Registration System (NIRA), said this is part of making it easier for Jamaicans to do business.

Green was speaking Tuesday while making his contribution to the 2022/2e3 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“The power that this card holds is the ease of use and the absence of traditional written proof and eyewitnesses to say you are who you say you are.

And as we amend our legislation to reflect our step into the digital world, it should be noted that where we are going is to remove the need for multiple unique identifiers and moving to where your one National ID can be used for your NIS, TRN and ultimately where your National Identification Card can be shown as proof that you are licenced to drive,” said Green.

He stated that persons with disabilities need the same access to services as those without disabilities but noted that the reality is that oftentimes such persons are without identification.

Green said special provisions will be made for people with disabilities under the NIDS.

“We have met and deliberated with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities and have agreed on using the International Access Sign to represent persons with disabilities at the rear of the National Identification Card”.

That decision is optional however and persons with disabilities will decide if the sign should appear at the rear of their national ID.

“This will ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with appropriate regard and provided with the access necessary to conduct their businesses and functions,” said Green, adding that the move will save the government approximately $160 million instead of having to print separate cards for persons with disabilities.

Regarding JPs, Green noted that their services are far more than identity verification. But, he said many JPs do not have an identification card and oftentimes have to use their seals to prove that they are JPs.

“To this end, JPs will also be represented by an identifier at the rear of the National Identification Card.

“This will also save the Government of Jamaica J$7.2 million instead of printing separate cards for JPs,” Green said.