Private sector groups call for dialogue on new National ID Bill

Jamaica's main private sector groups have issued a joint statement urging the Government and Opposition to immediately commence consultations on the law regarding the National Identification System.

This follows last Friday's decision of the Constitutional Court which ruled that the National Identification and Registration Act was unconstitutional and therefore of no effect.

The Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association say bipartisan support is necessary to settle contentious differences in the legislation and avoid provisions which breach the Constitution.

The groups believe this will result in the smooth and early passage of an acceptable bill.

In an interview with RJR News prior to the release of the joint statement, PSOJ President Howard Mitchell also suggested that a joint select committee of  Parliament be convened urgently to address the shortfalls identified with the now discredited statute.

It was imperative to "avoid taking overly critical or destructive positions regarding something as important as this," he said.

He added that it was important for both political parties to "show maturity" and "an eagerness to be acting in the national interest" by engaging in dialogue on the matter, resulting in "a law that conforms with the Constitution."