(CMR) The Cayman Islands is anticipated to roll out its National Identification System come the second quarter of 2021.
Minister of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, Joey Hew, made the announcement while speaking at the COVID-19 press briefing on June 23.
According to Hew, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of digital services and the digital economy.
“While we have benefited significantly from the efforts to date with our existing online services, we have become more aware of major opportunities or gaps whichever way you want to look at it, particularly in the digital sphere, a key one being the absence of a national identification system, ” said Hew.
Hew said that the good news was that the E-commerce unit in his department had already begun working on a national identification system.
However, Hew said that there were other first steps necessary for the roll-out, which include the completion of the population register and supporting legislation.
Hew said that the population register was on track to be launched in the fourth quarter of this year.
The minister went on to explain that the population register would be crucial to providing accurate identity information.
He said that the register would allow all government entities to check basic information at the source instead of requiring individuals to provide the information which the government already holds.
“Going forward, there will be services for residents to view their personal data. Request updates on their personal data at a very high level and share access to specific elements of their personal data, ” said Hew.
Hew said the team was currently in the procurement phase of securing a comprehensive suite of services, equipment, software, and support in relation to the national ID system.
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