Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) in collaboration with the Republic of China (Taiwan) held a dynamic stakeholder consultation for the Digital Identity Authentication Project held at the CUNA Building at Fortlands on Wednesday 26 June 2024.
The project aims to develop a Digital Identity Authentication system with the identity card (e-ID) to provide citizens and residents with a secure and reliable means of identifying themselves digitally as well as physically. This initiative is sponsored by the Taiwanese Government and the project commenced in 2023 through the Taiwan ICDF which is expected to be launched in 2026.
Presentations were made by the Minister of ICT and Posts et al, the Hon. Konris Maynard, the Permanent Secretary of ICT and Posts, Mrs Cheryleann Pemberton, the Project Manager of Taiwan ICDF, Mr Edward Chen, Director of International Integrated Systems (IISI), Mr Jerry Wang, and Project Manager (IISI), Mr Yasung Lee.
Over forty (40) stakeholders from both the public sector and private sector participated in the consultation. This included persons from the Inland Revenue Department, the Account General’s Office, the Caribbean Credit Card Corporation, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd. In addition, other departments were also present including the Department of Technology, Customs & Excise, Electoral Office, Ministries of Health, Finance and National Security, St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS), Intellectual Property Office, St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board and Citizenship by Investment Unit.
The technical team from Taiwan the International Integrated Systems, Inc. (IISI) presented the background, scope, system process, future applications and a live demonstration of the system to collect the respective feedback in related fields and shared experiences.
The goal of this activity resulted in an inclusive and cohesive collaboration of citizens, residents, and business professionals both in the private and public sectors. The advantages and benefits of having an e-ID was a critical discussion amongst the stakeholders that highlighted the need for providing it to our citizens. The multi-purpose usage capabilities of e-IDs can be used for digital access to services such as online banking, healthcare, voting, tax filing, and accessing all government public services.
It is important to note that the e-ID card is aligned with international security standards that employ advanced cryptographic methods to ensure the security and privacy of users’ identities, preventing fraud and unauthorized access. Establishing appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks to govern the use and management of digital identities.
Meanwhile, the Minister of ICT and Posts et al, Hon. Konris Maynard also mentioned that the government is working on the policy to avoid the abuse of the system and e-ID card. He emphasized that “Digital identification represents the core of an individual identity” and would serve as the foundation for accessing a wide range of public and private sector services online, enhancing the efficiency, security, and convenience of transactions and interactions.
The Hon. Konris Maynard also believed that this would change the way we interact with government services.