Prime Minister Mark Phillips has issued the commencement order for the Government’s Digital ID- Card Act, effective yesterday.

In a video broadcast, the Prime Minister said the commencement order marks a significant step in modernising Government services in Guyana.

He explained that while the enrollment process focuses on specific and relevant data already held within the state infrastructure, and has already been provided to other state institutions, private and personal data will be needed from persons when the Act is fully enforced.  

“This approach requires submission of data which you have already familiar. Your privacy remains our absolute primary as we launch, we launch this registry, the government is working assiduously to establish the necessary mechanisms to bring the data protection act into full effect. When that Act comes into full force and effect, we will then request from you, data of a more private and personal nature,” the Prime Minister said.

He said the government has already moved to establish offices across the country of the Registry where persons can apply for the Digital ID.

“This marks a major step forward in modernizing how the government services. The foundational requirements outlined in the act has now been achieved, which includes the appointment of a data protection commissioner, the implementation of a secure system and data base for the capture and storage for your information and the establishment of a robust system to produce and issue your digital ID card,” the Prime Minister noted.

Members of the Opposition and Civil society have raised data protection concerns, as there are no data protection laws in place as yet.

But the Government has defended the move, explaining that persons who intend to settle in Guyana must also register for the ID so that their movements can be tracked while here.

Government has also assured that enough safeguards will be put in place to protect citizens information, with the Prime Minister saying the move is to build a more secure and digitally connected Guyana.

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