The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a comprehensive national consultation on the development of a secure and reliable digital identity authentication system at the National ICT Centre on Thursday, August 08, 2024, aimed at enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure and improving access to essential services for all citizens.
Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Technology and Posts, Cheryleann Pemberton, emphasised the significance of this endeavour.
“The digital identity authentication system we are discussing today represents a significant step forward in enhancing our capabilities to verify identities reliably while safeguarding the privacy and security of our citizens,” said PS Pemberton.
Gilberto Martins De Almeida, an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Consultant, highlighted the numerous benefits of investing in digital identity, including e-citizenship, e-government, single window services, enhanced cybersecurity, economic growth, and facilitation of foreign trade.
ITU Area Representative for the Caribbean, Cleveland Thomas further emphasised the importance of this initiative.
“By investing in digital identity in your country, you are laying a solid foundation for a future where persons can access essential services, participate fully in the economy, and encourage confidential information to be shared in the digital world,” Mr. Thomas stated.
The consultation process provided a platform for citizens, experts, and stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of digital identity in St. Kitts and Nevis.
PS Pemberton encouraged everyone to share their thoughts candidly and engage actively in the discussions, as their perspectives are crucial in shaping a system that is both securely efficient and user-friendly, as well as inclusive.