(CMR) The Identification Register Bill and the Identification Card Bill, which are expected to transform the national identification system in the Cayman Islands, were approved by Cabinet on Friday, 4 November.
The Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development (MIISD) also announced that the bills were published on Friday in the Legislation Gazette.
“Building upon the proud pioneering heritage of the Cayman Islands, the national digital ID and its underlying suite of systems and technologies will firmly launch the Cayman Islands into the 21st Century. It is an enabling innovation that will truly modernize governance and transform how Cayman Islands residents transact with Government and businesses,” said the Hon. Minister André Ebanks, Minister for Investment, Innovation and Social Development.
Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Acting Chief Officer (ACO) of MIISD, said, “The national digital ID program will aid greatly in retaining and augmenting the competitiveness of the Cayman Islands as a globally respected financial services and innovation center of excellence. It will enhance Government’s capability to serve its customers, our residents, with proven technology utilized with great success.”
ACO Ebanks noted, “Chief among the benefits of the national digital identity for individuals is the elegant simplicity of a single identification document, and the amount of time it will save and hassle it will reduce. We foresee a truly significant reduction in ‘red tape’ which will result from a person being treated as the same individual when transacting with numerous Government entities.”
She said, “The digital identity also provides a necessary framework for future growth and innovation for Government, as well as private sector employment and entrepreneurship. It provides individuals with a means to prove their identity through a verifiable and secure electronic process.”
Ian Tibbetts, Director of the eGovernment Unit responsible for planning and program management of the digital identity initiative as well as implementing the underlying technology, likened Government’s commitment to the national digital ID to its investment in physical infrastructures such as roads, bridges, telecommunications, airports, and public safety.
Mr. Tibbetts observed, “Similar to Government’s investment in physical infrastructure, its investment in digital infrastructure will be a catalyst for creating a truly connected, modern, and dynamic Cayman Islands.”
The two Bills and other information for public awareness, education, and consultation/feedback are available at the Ministry’s website: https://imagine.egov.ky.
Card Bill: http://gazettes.gov.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/13214567.PDF
Register Bill: http://gazettes.gov.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/13214566.PDF
A public consultation period on the two Bills began Friday, and comments should be submitted by 4 December 2022. Comments can be submitted securely via the Ministry’s website: https://imagine.egov.ky.
Responses will be treated confidentially but may be published anonymously (without identifying personal information). Responses may also be shared internally in the Ministry and with other relevant Government entities for purposes of policy development.
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