BUSINESS LAW - GROUP PROJECT

Semester 2- AY 2020/21

In Jamaica, having a legal identity is becoming more and more of a necessity to carry outbusinesswith both the private sector and the public sector. Persons are unable to apply for jobs and open bank accounts among other things, as they are undocumented, which further results in them being denied opportunities and possibilities for personal growth and development.

On TuesdayDecember 15, 2020, Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness, tabled the National Identification and Registration Bill, 2020, which makes provisions for a voluntary and secure National Identification System (NIDS) for Jamaica. This Billseeks to establish a National Identification System (NIDS) whichwill result in the institutionof a unique secure method of ascertaining that an individual's identity is genuine. Persons will voluntarilyregister under the NIDSand will be issued with a National Identification Number (NIN) which will be their unique identifier in the system. Additionally, all information capturedthrough registration for a NIN will be storedin a secure database.The use of a NIN as the primary key will enable interconnectivity of the NIDS database and all records within existing GOJ databases.

Some Jamaicans are very skeptical of this Bill as some persons believe that once this becomes an Act of Parliament, the Government of Jamaica will have their data captured and other information available to use against them, know their every move and take away their right to privacy. Some agree that it should notbe mandatory to register and obtain a National Identification Card. Others say that the advantages outweigh the disadvantagesand for there to be an efficient operation of NIDS to enable it to meet its objectives, every citizen and ordinary resident of Jamaica must be mandated to be registered.

NIDS-A Lifesaver or an unwanted guest?

Research the NIDS policy and review the 2020 NIDS Bill.Your research should include the following:

a. An Introduction with an overview of the NIDS policy3mks

b. An explanation of the Objectives of the NIDS Bill3 mks

c. Therole and four (4) functions of the Body Corporate and the Office established under

the Body Corporate5 marks

d. The explanation oftwo (2)advantages andtwo (2) disadvantagesof the NIDS

system4 marks

e. Critical assessment of the NIDS Bill and whether or not the registration should be

mandatory5 marks

f. Two (2) Offences and accompanying penalties stated in the NIDS Bill2 marks

g. Three (3) recommendations for amendments to the Bill as drafted based on your

critical assessment3 marks

h. Conclusion 2marks

i. Grammar & Organization2 marks

j. References1 mark