Prime Minster Andrew Holness says his administration is taking steps to establish Jamaica as the first totally digital e-government in the region, through the national identification system.

Mr. Holness says, the National Identification System will increase the efficiency of public bureaucracy, through the integration of technology.

He adds that the National Identification System will make it easier for citizens to do business with the government.

Mr. Holness says, the programme to establish the National Identification System, is estimated to cost approximately $68 m.

It will be jointly funded by the government, and the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB).

Mr Holness was speaking at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston, this morning (Jun 9).

Meantime, Prime Minister Andrew Holness is seeking to assure the public that the National Identification System will not store private information of Jamaicans.

It will instead, incorporate civil information.

The National Identification System is expected to be implemented during the 2017/2018 financial year.

Upon completion, the system will allow for the identification of Jamaican nationals, and persons ordinarily resident in Jamaica.

It will provide a comprehensive and secure structure, to collect and store personal identity information.

Mr. Holness says, the personal information of Jamaicans will be protected under the privacy laws.