ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – Grenada has joined the Multi-Purpose Identification (MPID) system which will facilitate the easy recognition of citizens from the four Windward Islands through the use of a unique identifier which begins with the country code.
The MPID system, which is a joint initiative across Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, will allow these countries to be able to establish agreements to utilise each other’s databases to verify the authenticity of the identification of travellers.
The countries said this would also allow for the easy integration of citizens as part of the wider Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) integration process, enabling the seamless and accurate free movement of persons to work and live across the Economic Union.
A Government statement said that Grenada’s fast and highly secure data transmission ID smartcards will be applied to a multiplicity of functions, including advanced public transportation, event ticketing, student services, and eGovernment (the provision of a wide variety of government services to the public.
The four islands have each received US$2.4 million soft loan financing from the World Bank for the implementation of the OECS Electronic Government for Regional Integration Project (EGRIP).
The US-based 3M Innovative Properties Limited was awarded a turnkey contract in December 2012 to supply, install, integrate, train, support and maintain all technologies, hardware, software and related components for the Multi-Purpose Identification (MPID) System.
The first stage of the implementation of the MPID System will be the registration of citizens at one of four established sites islandwide, with the government stating it was also looking to identify certain electoral offices for registration and the subsequent issuance of the cards that will contain basic biographical and health information, leaving room for more information and applications to be added as needs arise.
