By Francine Black, Staff ReporterRESIDENTS OF Lawrence Tavern in St. Andrew have expressed concern about the validity of their national identifications cards.
The national IDs, issued by the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), have no visibly printed identification numbers, making it difficult for residents to use it as valid ID.
Neville Graham said, however, that there was no question that the cards were valid as they all had numbers encrypted on the back.
The typical card should have a visible identification number to the front as well as one encrypted on the back.
Those complained about by Lawrence Tavern residents lack the visible numbers.
As a result they are experiencing difficulties using the cards for transactions, as some places are reluctant to accept them.
One person said she has to take her common-law-husband with her each time she goes to the post office to collect her mail. Her husband uses his ID to supplement hers.
The residents say each time they contact the EOJ office in their community about the problem they are given excuses.
However, Mr. Graham said the electoral office is aware of the problem and that residents need only to take the cards to their local constituency office where the cards can be corrected.
He insists that it is not widespread but notes that other cards might possibly be found in small clusters in communities across the island.
The problem identification cards are among the first batch issued in 1997.
