Belizeans Push Back on Government’s High-Tech ID Rollout

Within the next three years, the government plans to roll out a brand-new National ID card, but this isn’t just another piece of plastic. It’s digital, it’s biometric, and it promises to make accessing public services faster and more secure. Think about applying for a loan or getting a police record, all without standing in line. But not everyone’s sold on the idea. To get a sense of how Belizeans are feeling, News Five ran a quick Facebook poll and the results were loud and clear. Over one thousand, three hundred people chimed in, and a whopping eighty-five percent said they’re not on board. So, we hit the streets of Belize City to hear more from the people themselves.

 

Belize City Resident 1

“Yeah,  I think they should done idea as well for the buses. I think that that would be very nice.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So that we can pay for the bus with them?”

 

Belize City Resident 1

“Yes. Yes. I saw something similar in Taiwan. Yes. So I think it would be a good idea.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And with this idea, since it has your face scan, you’d be able to apply for loans at home and police records, you’d support all of that?”

 

Belize City Resident 1

“Yes. I think all of your, all of your information will be in a database, so I support it.”

 

Belize City Resident 2

“I no know when fi she, I don’t like ID too much. I keep social. Only dat I di worry about that password.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So you think that how they should maybe instead of make a whole new card, they should just sort of strengthen the social security card what we done have?”

 

Belize City Resident 2

“I think so. Social security betta.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Do you support the national ID?”

 

Belize City Resident 3

“ Of course, yes. I feel like we need for modernize as a nation, so we need to keep with the time, you know, move forward, take a step forward, you know.”