Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, December 20, 2022 [Press Secretary’s Office]: The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is accelerating its Digital Transformation Agenda. The initiative was commemorated on Tuesday 20^thDecember 2022, at a Signing Ceremony for the Digital Identity Authentication Project chaired by the Director (Ag) in the Department of Technology, Ms. Ophelia Blanchard.

The project, slated to begin in 2023, signifies the commencement of a new agreement on Technical Cooperation between the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. The initiative is scheduled to be completed over a period of four (4) years. 

The Minister of Information, Communication Technology et. al. Hon. Konris G. M. Maynard; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology, and Posts, Mrs. Cheryleann Pemberton; Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Michael Chau-Horng Lin addressed the audience on the benefits and purpose of the Digital Identity Authentication Project.

According to Mrs. Pemberton, the project is a key aspect of the Government’s digital transformation strategy, which involves the implementation of an electronic centralized identification system for all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis through a general name ID, that would improve data integrity across all government departments.

Along with identity identification, the project also includes establishing a digital signature, integrated mechanism into a secure and effective identity authentication structure, building a unified data management mechanism for St. Kitts and Nevis, and assist in acquiring digital ID card manufacturing and card issuing capabilities.

“This project is an integral component of our Whole of Government Digital Transformation Strategy, intended to create a digital identity services trust framework, that will establish a digital authentication mechanism that complies with international technical and information security standards. Citizens can obtain a digital representation of their identity and other attributes as proof of identity effected by user permissions to gain secure access to online transactions such as obtaining government services – social and financial benefits, electronic commerce and banking transactions for improved efficiency and convenience,” Hon. Konris G. M. Maynard stated.

The venture also affords opportunities for human resources development through training in capabilities of digital identity management, digital certificates, and information security to sustain ongoing technical and administrative support.

The Minister of Information, Communication Technology et. al. reassured the audience that this new project will not infringe on the rights and privacy of our citizens. He stated-

“The rights and needs of our citizens are highest priority as will be preserved where the people retain the control over how their digital identity will be used within this trust framework, in line with the Privacy and Data Protection legislations. As such, in 2023, we will embark upon a series of consultations with all key stakeholders from public sector, private sector, and NGOs to obtain their perspectives, user and system requirements and address any initial concerns they may have. The approach to the design will be user-centric that incorporates their requirements while at the same time ensure secure, robust, trusted framework built on international best practices and standards.”

His Excellency Michael Chau-Horng Lin stated that the project will be an essential part of the government’s system and will allow the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to deliver more convenient and efficient online government services and provide greater opportunity for the advancement of electronic commerce in a secure and trusted framework.

The Honourable Konris Maynard expressed gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their unwavering technical and financial support towards accelerating the advancement of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the ease of doing business in a Digital Economy and attaining the nation’s vision to become a world leader in Digital Transformation.