Caribbean News
JAMAICA: US $68 Million for Implementation of NIDS
#Kingston, January 10, 2019 – Jamaica – The total budget for implementation of the National Identification System (NIDS) is US$68 million, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. He said that 
approximately 20 per cent of the amount is for the NIDS solution, which is the software required to deliver identity management services.
Mr. Holness was responding to questions posed by Opposition Spokesman on Science and Technology, Julian Robison. The NIDS project is being funded through an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)/Government of Jamaica Loan Agreement.
Mr. Holness said that the majority of the funds budgeted for NIDS will be utilised for the broader modernisation and digitisation of Government and improvement of the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.
This, he said, includes the establishment of the National Identification and Registration Authority, including the transformation of the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) and the new Civil Registry System to link birth, marriages and death records; re-engineering of business processes; development of the digital identity management procedure; and implementation of these structures and processes over five years.
“That budget will be somewhere in the region of US$9.9 million. Then there is the digitisation of the RGD’s paper-based records, and that would happen over a period of five years. They have actually started the digitisation of records, so they should be able to generate some records using a digital format. That is estimated to be US$3.5 million,” Mr. Holness said.
“There will be mobile stations for bedside registration and NIDS outreach, and they plan to spend some US$72,000 to do that over five years. We will have to build 43 enrolment sites… that is for US$4.3 million; then there is the establishment of a card production facility, and that will enable us to produce cards in a centralised way, and that is US$8 million,” he added.
Another US$2.4 million, which is approximately US$480,000 annually over five years, has been budgeted for the public relations (PR), communications and behavioural change programme.
“The total funds expended for the publication of radio, television and print advertisements from June to December 
11, 2018 is US$42,614.42,” he said, noting that the IDB, through the South Korean Government Poverty Reduction Fund, provided technical assistance during the development of the NIDS PR and Marketing Plan.
Mr. Holness informed the House that all PR and communications activities are being managed by the NIDS team.
“So, they have found ways to ensure that they can deliver high-quality service at [reasonable] cost in terms of the delivery of the service. They have not contracted out for any public relations firm in that regard,” he noted.
The Prime Minister said that all funds spent on the NIDS project must meet the highest standards of accountability and probity.
Release: JIS
Contact: Latonya Linton
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, emphasises a point while addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 8). Listening are (from left) Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke (left); Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson; and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson.
Michael Sloley photo
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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