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The government has unveiled the design of the national identification card, announcing that enrolment sites will begin opening in August.
Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Floyd Green, says the design of the card was approved in February and a first batch received this month.
He told the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon that there will be 26 security features on the card and not the standard 12 that other cards utilise.
"It has a unique layout where Jamaica’s national symbols are embedded in the design of the card. The Coat of Arms, the doctor bird, the national flag, the ackee, all of those are reflected in the card," he described, adding that the 26 security features will be embedded in three levels.
"The national Identification Card is a polycarbonate card with the identity data engraved, which means that no one can physically alter the card without it being noticeable," he touted.
To get the cards, Jamaicans will have to enrol. According to Mr. Green, the first enrolment site is to be opened in Kingston by August, with a further five enrolment sites to be opened in that parish by the end of 2022.
"We will put in an additional eight sites in early 2023 in Greater Portmore, Mandeville, Old Harbour, Black River, Morant Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Maria and of course, Montego Bay," he added.
Free birth certificates
The minister also announced the launch of Project BirthRight, which will provide free birth certificates for undocumented Jamaicans.
Mr. Green noted that the issue of undocumented Jamaicans is not uncommon and such cases leave the affected individuals unable to conduct formal business or access government services.
"Normally, they turn to the MP or the council with an appeal for help because the reality is that they normally are unable to afford accessing the birth certificate," the minister outlined.
To access a free birth certificate through Project BirthRight, persons must have a monthly household income of less than $37,000.
Some 11,000 people are expected to benefit this year, according to Mr. Green.
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