Government inks US$35.4 Million deal for production and introduction of Electronic ID system

At the signing ceremony at State House today, President Irfaan Ali said the implementation of the electronic identification system will significantly increase the ease of doing business in Guyana.

Government inks US$35.4 Million deal for production and introduction of Electronic ID system

The Government of Guyana today signed a US$35.4M contract for the implementation of an electronic identification system that would be used for the issuance of work permits and resident identification.

The contract was signed with the Veridos company, which is a Germany-based company that specializes in integrated identity solutions.

At the signing ceremony at State House today, President Irfaan Ali said the implementation of the electronic identification system will significantly increase the ease of doing business in Guyana.

“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, private sector for example, in the banking sector. Through this card, the banking sector now can have fingerprint verification and validation of the person who is before them. So, the need for proof of address and all the other documentation is eliminated. So, the cost of doing business, the effectiveness, the competitiveness, the efficiency all improved as a result of this technology,” the President explained.

Additionally, the new card will be used for the Management of Work Permits, and according to the President, would enable better documentation of migrants here through the issuance of resident cards.

The e-ID cards will be laser engraved with black and white technology, secured pre-printed designs and devices for a state-of-the-art polycarbonate material which includes a chip that can integrate a variety of services to the individual.

 In addition to the production of the e-ID card and installation of the electronic identification system, the contract covers training for administrators and operators as well as 60 months of support and maintenance services following the 12 month implementation period.

According to President Ali, the electronic identification system will better position the country on the global stage.

President Irfaan Ali

“The ID cards that we are going to implement for Guyana is going to position Guyana among a set of nation that has one of the most technologically advanced electronic identification system. The ID cards are compliant with 18013-5 of the ISO Standard. What this means is that… this card is also accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organization for international travel. So, that is the level and integrity of the card. Not only does it come with the highest level of ISO compliance, but it is also accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organization for international travel,” the President explained.

He said as a result of that compliance, it brings with it technical and international standards and requirements addressing issues of security, identity credential, privacy, and cross border protection.

The President said given his Government’s commitment to promote e-governance as part of its quest to improve the productivity of businesses, and delivery of government services, through the introduction of e-Education, e-Security, e-Agriculture and electronic permit and license processes, there is a need to implement a robust National Identity Management System.

It was explained that the management system will focus on the integration of identification services across government agencies.

“This ID system will improve access to all citizen centric government services and benefits 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,” he said.

Veridos was among two companies recommended by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates after the Government requested assistance.

He said their identification system solutions were evaluated by a technical team comprising members of the National Data Management Authority, and the Office of the National ICT Advisor.

The companies were evaluated based on their technology use, the various governments they service, and their biometric security subsystems, and according to the President, Veridos came out successful.

Veridos is partly owned by the Government of Germany.

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