KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is encouraging Jamaicans to enroll in the National Identification System (NIDS) in order to receive the new national identification card when it becomes available in their parishes.

He made the appeal on Friday when the first set of the cards were issued at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Service Centre at the Central Sorting Office on South Camp Road in Kingston.

Holness was exuberant in his statement, describing the occasion as a “historic day for Jamaica” as the years of talking about a system like the one the new national identification cards are expected to provide became a reality.

“Today is a historic day for Jamaica. We are finally at the point of going live with the issuance of the new national identification cards marking a new era in our commitment to a modern, efficient, and secure Jamaica. After 50 years of discussion, we are finally seeing this vision come to life!” Holness said.

He explained that the card is a step closer to transforming Jamaica into a digital society.

“This secure, reliable card will streamline processes, enhance trusted transactions and drive efficiency across every sector,” the prime minister said.

He added that the initiative is about empowerment for Jamaicans, while simultaneously simplifying lives, and making transactions with government services smoother and more efficient.

The new identification card under NIDS is expected to provide a comprehensive and secure database for capturing and storing the personal information of citizens and non-nationals ordinarily residing in Jamaica.

According to the statement from the prime minister, individuals who had participated in a pilot programme of the initiative were given their new national identification cards on Friday as well. The individuals included a family consisting of a mother and two children, a police officer, the head of the Jamaica Council of Persons with Disabilities, a banker, and a pastor.

Holness went on to urge Jamaicans to also enroll and receive their national identification cards when the service becomes available in their area. He informed that some sites should start opening their doors by late January 2025 with others to open by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.

“To improve accessibility, NIRA is setting up new centers across the island, with contracts already in place for sites in Montego Bay, Mandeville, Falmouth, St Ann’s Bay, Ocho Rios, Black River and May Pen. These centres are scheduled to open in late January 2025 with 15 additional sites expected to open by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year,” Holness said.