Fee soon for replacement of lost National ID Card, says Minister Carty

Minister of Information Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 22ND 2012(CUOPM)- Holders of National Identification Cards will soon be charged to have them replaced.

Minister of Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty disclosed in Post Cabinet Briefing Wednesday that the Electoral Office has reported that it has replaced a significant number of National ID Cards which have been lost or damaged since the cards began to be issued in December of 2007.

“There is concern that the replacement of cards is realising a significant cost which has to be mitigated. Government is of the view that cards being replaced due to loss or damage before the expiration of 5 years should come at a cost to the cardholder. Cabinet has therefore ordered that a National ID Card replacement fee be instituted,” said Minister Carty.

He said the general public will be notified of the specifics at an early date upon its institution.

Additionally, government is of the view that legislation needs to be developed to further regulate the National ID card with respect to its treatment, official report of its loss or damage, and other related matters.

“As a consequence, the Legal Department is conducting research within the region on laws regulating National ID cards in other countries to expedite the drafting of legislation for the said purpose,” Minister Carty disclosed.