Stop fighting against NIDS
Published:Friday | November 2, 2018 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
An October 30 Jamaica Gleaner article relates that rapes are being perpetrated by resort employees on American guests in gated, protected hotels and other resorts - places that tourists are told are perfectly safe for them.
It continues that one American is raped every month - 12 last year - and 78 since 2011.
This is a background check issue, something that the National Identification System (NIDS) is tailor-made to address. Take the case of the recent RIU rapes. Demar Scott, who allegedly raped two American women, has an extensive rap sheet.
He was also charged with rape, burglary, and robbery in Balaclava, St Elizabeth, as far back as 2012, police say. He is also being investigated for SIX other rapes in Mandeville!
How is this person hired at a resort in this information age? The background-check protocol is woefully dysfunctional in Jamaica.
An adequately implemented and utilised NIDS, with its unique National Identification Number feature, would have connected all those dots and presented an ease-of-use opportunity for HR personnel to adequately check this man's background quickly, accurately, comprehensively, and seamlessly.
Jamaica is at a crossroads. The Government will either embrace the digital age, or our country will continue to exist in a state of dysfunction. Those who are strenuously opposing NIDS are being irresponsible.
The US government is closely monitoring this situation in Jamaica. It will not stand by and allow its citizens to continue to suffer.
If the State Department pulls the tourism plug on Jamaica - well, no need for me to elaborate on the consequences.
PAUL HAYE
Fairview, New Jersey