News

The Cayman Islands National ID Programme will officially commence on Friday, 28 February 2025 following Cabinet’s approval of the relevant regulations. With this milestone achieved, the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation (MSDI) and Department of eGovernment (eGov) will now move to the next phase of implementation, which includes issuing the first National ID cards to internal team members and key Ministry personnel involved in the project.

The first phase will focus on ensuring the smooth operation of the issuance process, allowing the eGov team to fine-tune systems and address any operational considerations before proceeding further. The commencement of the regulations enables eGov to begin printing official cards, which will be followed by rigorous testing, system refinements, and the launch of a pilot programme to ensure the process is efficient, secure, and user-friendly. Once this critical phase is complete, the rollout will continue—first with civil servants, followed by the general public.

Deputy Premier, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, emphasised the significance of this milestone and expressed gratitude to those who made it possible:

“The launch of the National Identity Programme is a crucial step forward in modernising public services and providing residents with a secure and convenient form of identification. This initiative is about more than just a card—it represents progress, innovation, and a commitment to enhancing the way Caymanians and residents interact with government services.

As we embark on this journey, our focus remains on ensuring that the system is seamless, secure, and built with the needs of the people in mind. There is still work to be done, but today, I want to recognise and thank the dedicated teams across government who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. Their expertise, collaboration, and commitment to excellence have laid the foundation for a National ID that will serve our people well. This is about shaping the future, and I encourage everyone to stay engaged as we move towards the full rollout.”

MSDI Chief Officer, Tamara Ebanks, commended the dedicated teams working behind the scenes to bring the programme to life:

“The commencement of the National Identity Programme is the result of tireless efforts, strategic planning, and collaboration across government. I want to extend my sincere

appreciation to the teams at the Department of eGovernment, Computer Services Department, WORC, Legislative Drafting, and the Ministry team for their unwavering dedication in delivering a system that is not only secure and efficient but also tailored to meet the needs of our residents. Their commitment to excellence has been instrumental in bringing us to this point.”

Participation Is Your Choice

The National Identity Programme is completely voluntary and will be available to all residents, offering everyone who calls these islands home, the flexibility to decide if and when they wish to participate. For those who opt in, the card will provide a range of benefits, including enhanced security, greater convenience, and access to future digital features—all at no cost.

The public should be aware that no applications for the eID are being accepted at this time. Please stay tuned for updates about the programme’s progress and upcoming developments as the Department continues its careful and methodical approach to implementation.