President Ali – Guyana’s new ‘one card’ system will be one of the most technologically advanced 

– Contract signed for new ISO certified and ICAO accepted card

President Irfaan Ali said that the Single Electronic Identification System being developed for Guyana, will not only enhance the ease of transactions but will be one of the most technologically advanced.

He said that the cards will be compliant with 18013-5 of the ISO standards and will be accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for international travel.

Earlier today, the official contract signing between the Government of Guyana and German-based company, Veridos Identity Solutions, took place virtually from State House. Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Derrick Cummings signed on behalf of the government

The collaboration was facilitated by UAE’s His Royal Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The new electronic identification system, the President explained, would revolutionise how business is done in Guyana and with its advanced security system it will eliminate the need for certain documents.

“Through this card, the banking sector now can have fingerprint verification and validation of the person who’s before them. So, the need for proof of address and all the audit documentation is eliminated. The cost of doing business, the effectiveness, the competitiveness, the efficiency all improve as a result of this technology.”

The President said that the card’s capabilities are also in keeping with his Government’s commitment to promote eGovernance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of eHealth, eEducation, eSecurity, eAgriculture, electronic permit, and license processing among other areas.

He noted that the enhancement is necessary because there is an immediate need to implement a robust national identity management system that focuses on the integration of identification services across government agencies, security, ease of use, and acquisition of IDs.

“This ID system would improve access to all citizen-centric Government services and benefit the citizens, private sector and Government alike. This will bring us in line with solutions used by the most developed economies, and position Guyana to be a competitive sphere in a world that is advancing drastically along a technological landscape.”

The system, and the cards by extension, according to the President, will also allow for the issuance of work permits and resident identification.

“E-ID systems promote the idea of one citizen, one identity by assigning a unique national registration number to each citizen for use by all Government agencies.”

The Head of State also noted that in addition to improving Government services, the system will also benefit the private sector.

“So, the cost of doing business, the effectiveness, the competitiveness, the efficiency all improved as a result of this technology.”

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Ali also said that the system will adhere to the highest level of international standards.

“The system allows the capture of individuals’ biographical and biometric information based on international standards and stores it to provide identity-based services to individuals and other Government offices. The ID and resident cards are laser engraved, black and white technology with secure, pre-printed designs and devices for a state-of-the-art polycarbonate document, which includes a chip that can integrate a variety of services to the individual.”

The President said the system and software will be tailored for Guyana and will include implementation services, training of administrators and operators, local help desk support and 60 months of support and maintenance.

The project is expected to have a 12-month implementation period.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar were also at the signing ceremony.