The Cayman Islands is getting ready to take an important next step in its move towards a digital economy in 2021.

The E-Government team in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure is currently finalising preparations to develop and roll-out a National Identity programme for the Islands.

A Request for Proposal was issued by the Cayman Islands Government last week for the suite of services and technology required to implement the National ID card, which is anticipated to be issued starting in 2021.

The National ID, will be a Government-issued, photo-identification card which will have current Cayman immigration status. Residents of the Cayman Islands will be able to use the wallet-sized card for daily activities that require proof of identity and immigration status.

It will also include digital identity and digital signature features that will allow National ID card holders to confirm their identity online or sign documents digitally.

The National Identity Programme is a key enabler in Government’s move to provide more services online.

Minister of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, Hon. Joey Hew, stated the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of online options for individuals as well as businesses and commerce across our Islands. “Getting information and vital services to Caymanians and residents digitally has never been more important,” Minster Hew said.

He further noted, “By implementing modern solutions that are customer-focused, and which allow customer data to be securely exchanged across government entities, we aim to improve access to government services for Caymanians, residents and businesses in a way that enables the growth of our local digital economy”.

Emphasising that a joined-up government is necessary for fast and easy access of public services, Director of the E-Government Unit in the Ministry, Ian Tibbetts stated, “We are enthusiastic about what is to come this year and look forward to introducing to the residents of the Cayman Islands our new suite of services that have been designed with them in mind”.

“The National ID card will be an easy, durable and convenient way to present personal information without the need to carry multiple documents”, Mr. Tibbetts explained.

The E-Government Unit was setup in 2014, and since that time has worked to deliver a suite of products designed to enable the provision of government services online.

These services include an online system that was launched in late last year for persons to apply online for naturalisation or registration as a British Overseas Territories Citizen and another to facilitate various regulatory and compliance interactions between the Department of Commerce and Investment and Designated Non-Financial Business and Professions. 

The Ministry’s E-Government Unit has also supported the Department of Commerce and Investment’s trade and business application portal which allows business owners to apply or new their licence online and the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing unregistered renewal service.