NIDS ‘will assist the police in identifying’ Old Harbour robbers – Dr Chang

In the video, which is less than a minute long the full face of the robbers could be seen clearly, while one of them could be heard talking to someone on his mobile phone, ensuring they had safe passage out of the Old Harbour community.

It was at this point, though, that the crook seated at the back realized that the dash cam was recording them, at which point he informed his partner in crime who dismantled the device.

While many persons saw the funny side of the situation, others were quick to highlight the effectiveness of a NIDS if the state controlled digital identification mechanism was fully operational.

NIDS is expected to be rolled out next year and features the collection of citizen’s biometric data including facial recognition. The ID system is being touted by the government as an all-inclusive data card that will make it easier for persons to transact businesses and utilise multiple service in an efficient manner.

Asked by Old Harbour News to comment on The Aviary robbery, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, said: “NIDS as a national ID system is an important element in much of the activity in the country. Yes it will assist the police in identifying individuals and but that's only an addendum to the great value of NIDS. NIDS in the modern world is critical to the policy of inclusion in getting all our people involve in the formal economy.”

Dr Chang was speaking to the media last week Tuesday after meeting with victims and family members affected by the Spring Village mass shooting that claimed the lives of three persons and injured six others.

The Old Harbour police managed to seize the stolen vehicle shortly afterwards, after the owner activated security features that brought the car to a sudden stop. The vehicle was left abandoned with the bandits nowhere in sight.

While some persons contend that NIDS is a bit too intrusive, these robbers might very well be behind bars by now serving time for their evil deeds to highlight the effectiveness of this modern ID system.