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NIDS Bill a living representation of the views of J’can people – Chuck
“A living representation of the views of the Jamaican people,” was how Justice Minister, Delroy Chuck, described the new National Identification and Registration Act 2021 (NIRA) as he opened the debate on the Bill in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Chuck also described the legislation as historic, citing that it embodies the recommendations of a Joint Select Committee of Parliament in relation to the previous iteration of the legislation that was shot down as having been unconstitutional, in the Constitutional Court.
“These recommendations were made as a result of an intensive round of contributions from concerned citizens of Jamaica, members of the Diaspora and various stakeholder interest groups. This Bill is one of the most responsive pieces of legislation ever put to this honourable House,” said Chuck in his opening remarks.
He noted that the joint select committee held 32 meetings before the report was submitted to Parliament for debate and approval just before the summer break in July.
Chuck told the House that the legislative framework for the National Identification and Registration System (NIDS) has been strengthened and improved in order to:
-Recognise and protect the right to privacy of an enrolled individual, particularly as it relates to the protection of an individual’s data/identity information.
-Strengthen the organisational and governance structure of the Authority.
-Ensure that the penalties reflect the gravity of the offences created under the legislation.
-Strengthen the independent oversight of the Authority.
-Ensure that a most comprehensive enabling structure exists to facilitate the implementation of the National Identification System (NIDS).
-Have it as the first legislation to require the encryption of personal information and compliance with international best practices for information security.
Chuck said there will be consequential amendments to existing legislation in order to ensure that the NIDS runs smoothly upon implementation.
https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/nids-bill-living-representation-views-jcan-people-chuck