A nine-member board is now in place to manage the affairs of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the National Identification System (NIDS).

The NIDS is an electronic form of identification which will provide a comprehensive database for capturing and storing the personal information of Jamaicans and non-nationals ordinarily residing in Jamaica.

The NIRA will assume administration of the civil registration system in Jamaica, eventually replacing the Registrar General’s Department (RGD), and will provide enhanced services.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Friday met with the newly appointed board of the NIRA at Jamaica House where he charged the members to ensure the efficient operation of the entity.

Holness emphasised that enrolment in the NIDS is voluntary and that Jamaicans will make the decision to enroll based on the value that the system will add,in terms of securing identity and making citizens’ interactions with the Government more convenient.

The nine-member board was also charged by Holness to ensure that the authority maintains the highest standards of trust and integrity and works for the benefit and advancement of Jamaicans.

“I am pleased to announce the launch of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), tasked with overseeing the implementation of our National Identification System.

“The establishment of this authority represents a commitment to modernisation, efficiency, and the safeguarding of our citizens’ rights. NIDS will serve as a cornerstone of our efforts to enhance national security, improve access to government services, and foster socio-economic development,” said Holness.

The Holness Administration last month signalled that it intends to complete and launch phase one of the NIDS enrolment and issuance of national identification cards during the 2024/25 financial year which begins on April 1.

Other anticipated targets for the upcoming fiscal year include launching the Registrar General’s Department eWallet and digital birth certificate; commencing the modification and upgrade of 11 post offices as enrolment sites; and completing the framework and infrastructure to facilitate the variation and authentication of identity information by accredited third parties.

Additionally, the digitisation of the RGD civil records will continue as well as completion of the framework for the RGD’s transition to the National Identification and Registration Authority.

The NIDS communication strategy will also continue during the 2024/25 fiscal year. Just over $1.3 billion has been allocated for the NIDS in the 2024-25 Estimates of Expenditure.

Members of the (NIRA), along with their roles/areas of expertise, are:

Bishop Conrad Pitkin, CD, JP Custos Rotulorum – chairman

Georgia Hamilton- attorney-at-law

The Reverend Newton Dixon – representative of the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches

Kenrick Steele – information and communication technology, and cybersecurity

Alok Jain, CD – financial management and accounting

Maria Thompson Walters – human resource management and public administration

Shereika Hemmings Allison – senior public official in the ministry with responsibility for the authority

Emil Holgate – senior public official in the ministry with responsibility for national security

Gordon Christopher Reckord – representative of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.