KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has labelled the People’s National Party (PNP) as an obstructionist for “its continued attempts to undermine the national identification system (NIDS)”.

The PNP filed a motion in the Supreme Court yesterday to block the National Identification and Registration Act, arguing that some of its provisions are unconstitutional.

However, JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang today warned the Opposition that “history won’t absolved them for blocking the progress of the Jamaican people”.

Chang expressed that he is not surprised but disappointed that the Opposition will now be using the courts in an attempt to undermine a law that they themselves contributed to drafting.

”We, as a country, have been talking about this for almost 40 years. The PNP even tabled a bill in 2002 that is very similar to the one just passed. Many of the current provisions that they now seeks to undermine came out of discussions with them.

”We are left with only one conclusion, it seems that the tea issue the Opposition has is that this government is finally implementing the system where they have failed,” the JLP general secretary said in statement.

Chang maintained that NIDS is one of the most fundamental developments in Jamaica’s history.

“There are numerous benefits for the people, especially the working class, including being able to better do business and access government services. NIDS will ensure hay Jamaicans can participate effectively and securely in the digits space. This is how you create a Jamaica that works for all,” he assured.

At the same time, Chang said Jamaicans should be confident that the Government will defend the gains fought for in their interest.

“Well-thinking Jamaicans have recognised the motives of the Opposition and will not forget their attack on the development of the country. The elected government will fulfil its mandate given to it by the people,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the JLP’s youth arm, Young Jamaica, has also blasted the PNP for what it said was a backward and ill-conceived court action against the Act.

“We are deeply disappointed by the stance and action of the PNP. The modernisation of Jamaica requires a credible identification system and what they are seeking to do in this regard is [to] unravel all that has been done to advance us as a modern society,” Young Jamaica said in its statement yesterday.

The youth group called on Jamaicans to keenly watch the court proceedings, arguing that “the PNP’s agenda in fighting NIDS is questionable and hypocritical”.

“From day one the PNP was out to play politics with the NIDS bill. They were forced by the people of Jamaica to support the Bill in Parliament and now we are seeing the politics resurfacing and it is not to the benefit of the people,” Young Jamaica said.

The organisation urged the Government to stridently oppose the actions of the PNP and continue to educate Jamaicans of the benefits to be derived from having a national identification system.

“The Government must move full speed ahead with the development and tabling of the regulations to accompany the NIDS Act,” Young Jamaica said.