Digital Transformation Being Advanced

The Government remains resolute in transforming Jamaica into a digital society, ensuring that a unique digital identity is available to every citizen, says Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller.

He was delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday (February 13).

Custos Fuller, who was deputising for Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said that the legal framework for the national identification system in Jamaica was completed in 2024 with the gazetting of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Act Regulations.

The NIRA was operationalised and Jamaica’s first electronic national Identification (ID) cards were issued.

The Jamaica Data Exchange Platform is being developed, which will streamline government data validation for the tax registration number (TRN), driver’s licence and the new national ID.

Custos Fuller said that steps have also been taken to strengthen digital privacy under the Data Protection Act.

A total of 1,056 data controllers applied for registration with the Office of the Information Commissioner by December 31, 2024.

In addition, the Government has developed a National Cybersecurity Framework and Cyber Incident Response Plan in recognition of growing cyberthreats.

“Digital services continue to expand with the development of a Proof of Life Application, which will be introduced shortly to simplify verification by pensioners,” he added.

The Throne Speech was delivered under the theme ‘Jamaica’s Next Chapter: Aspiring to Greatness’.

It outlines the priority programmes and policies to be pursued by the Government in the new fiscal year, which begins on April 1.