Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips is seeking to pass a motion to have the National Identification System (NIDS) bill withdrawn, and placed before a joint select committee of parliament.

There was uproar in parliament this afternoon (Nov 21) among members of the opposition and the government.

The PNP later started singing “we shall overcome”, after efforts to pass a motion was not considered.

The opposition later called a press conference, to highlight their disgust.

During the press conference, Dr. Phillips said the PNP cannot continue in the sitting, in the manner in which, it is being conducted.

Dr. Phillips says, there are certain fundamental issues that should be addressed before the NIDS bill is passed.

Dr. Phillips reiterates that the bill was badly put together and should be put to a joint select committee and have the parliament consider the data protection bill.

He says the bill has 64 clauses and to date there are 268 amendments and there is no real opportunity for any stakeholder to participate in the bill.

He says the bill is unlike any other bill brought before parliament.

He says it has far reaching implications for Jamaicans which will require a scan of the eyes and finger and palm prints taken and placed into a database.

He adds that while the opposition supports a national identification system, it does not support it in the manner being brought forward by the government.