EBC launches new ID card

THE Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) launched new national identification cards on Monday which will come into effect from January. ID cards that have not expired remain valid and will be accepted everywhere, the EBC said in a media release.

The EBC said the new ID card is made of a polycarbonate substrate and “incorporates a sophisticated array of security features to ensure multi-layered protection against the threat of counterfeit and fraud."

At the back of the card, when it is held up to UV light, the image of a hummingbird and hibiscus flower appear.

In the front of the card, when it is tilted, the card-holder’s date of birth becomes visible and when the card is held up, a 3D holographic image of a hummingbird and hibiscus flower will appear.

“The new card is being introduced in line with current developments in election management and will be introduced on a phased basis,” the release said.

In the first phase, the cards will be available to first-time applicants, people replacing lost or stolen cards and those changing their names. From January, the cards will be available to all registered citizens.

This will include everyone whose ID cards have expired and those due to expire in 2020, whose expiry dates were previously extended to December 31.

Expired ID card renewals will resume in January and will be done through an appointment system soon to be announced.