Government’s Digital Transformation Efforts: Electronic Identification (eID) System

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 19, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Honourable Konris Maynard commenced his presentation on the 2025 Budget Debate on December 19, 2024, by providing a comprehensive update on the government’s thrust towards full digital transformation, underpinned by the development and delivery of the Electronic Identification (eID) System that will enable seamless interactions between citizens and government services.

Overview of the eID System

The eID system falls under the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology’s (ICT) Digital Identity Authentication Project which aims to develop a Digital Identity Authentication System with a card to provide citizens and residents with a secure and reliable means of identifying themselves digitally and physically. The project is being pursued in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Minister Maynard’s Presentation

Commenting on the potential of such a system, Minister Maynard, said, “Imagine a St. Kitts and Nevis where you can use a digitally authenticated identification to access any government service without the need to provide any other type of information -no birth certificate, no police record, no proof of address. Well, this is literally just around the corner.”

The minister said significant strides have been made on this project over the past twenty months, with the successful completion of the prototyping and system development stages. The project is now in the testing stage. In 2025, the ministry will move towards the system integration process, with the goal of launching the system towards the end of the year.

Security Measures

Minister Maynard assured citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis that all measures are being taken to ensure the highest levels of security and privacy are maintained in the development of the Electronic Identification (eID) System.

The minister reported that a delegation which included the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Technology, as well as the permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security recently travelled to Taiwan to participate in the first phase of the Digital Identity Authentication Project training programme.

“In Taiwan, they were able to inspect the facility where the digital ID cards will be manufactured. This, I must add, is the same facility that produces Visa and MasterCard products, and, as you would expect, operates with exceptionally robust security protocols,” said Minister Maynard.

The ID cards will feature eight advanced security measures, including holographic artworks, kinetic patterns, optically variable ink, guilloche security printing, MicroText, Dot Pattern Printing, and a security chip produced by IDEMIA with a suite of data encryption and security features.

Conclusion

The Electronic Identification (eID) System is a significant step towards digital transformation in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the government is committed to ensuring its development and implementation are secure and reliable. The system is expected to launch towards the end of 2025, and citizens and residents can look forward to a more seamless and efficient experience when interacting with government services.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the Electronic Identification (eID) System?

A: The eID system aims to provide citizens and residents with a secure and reliable means of identifying themselves digitally and physically, enabling seamless interactions with government services.

Q: Who is collaborating on the project?

A: The project is being pursued in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Q: What security measures will be featured on the ID cards?

A: The ID cards will feature eight advanced security measures, including holographic artworks, kinetic patterns, optically variable ink, guilloche security printing, MicroText, Dot Pattern Printing, and a security chip produced by IDEMIA with a suite of data encryption and security features.

Q: When is the system expected to launch?

A: The system is expected to launch towards the end of 2025.