PNP to explore all options including courts over NIDS

President of the People’s National Party (PNP) Dr Peter Phillips says the party is prepared to pursue all avenues including the courts to secure changes to the proposed National Identification and Registration Act.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Phillips said the party maintains its view that the bill has too many flaws.

He noted that a total of 268 amendments have been made to the bill by both houses of Parliament.

The PNP president said one of the major concerns for the party is that the law will make it mandatory for Jamaicans to register and enrol in the National Identification System (NIDS) and impose a hefty fine on those who do not.

He said another concern is that the law allows state agencies to deny services to Jamaicans who do not have a national identification card.

Phillips argued that the Constitution guarantees Jamaicans equitable treatment by any public authority and therefore any law which tramples on that right would be a breach.

The PNP president says the party is concerned the government included the provision in the bill that was presented to the Senate after it was removed by the House of Representatives.

He says this raises the matter of credibility for the government.

Phillips says the PNP maintains that the bill should be put to a joint-select committee of Parliament where members of the public can give their feedback.