-$1b allocated for national e-ID cards
The government has recognised the importance of incorporating digital solutions as it seeks to enhance the delivery of public services and to this end has passed a range of legislative measures aimed at streamlining operations and improving transparency, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, told the National Assembly on Friday during his Budget 2025 presentation.
Some of these measures included the Data Protection Act, Digital Identity Card Act, Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, and the Planning and Development Single Window System Act in 2023. And in 2024, the Open Data Bill was introduced to further promote public data transparency. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement a comprehensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Master Plan, with the first phase slated for completion by 2025. This will allow citizens easier access to government services and faster processing times for certificates.