Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Monday defended the appointment of Aneal Giddings as Guyana’s Data Protection Commissioner, asserting that Giddings is “more than qualified” for the role as the country advances the rollout of its national electronic ID (e-ID) card system.
This defense came during a session of the National Assembly’s Committee of Supply, where Phillips responded to concerns raised by political commentator and opposition parliamentarian Professor David Hinds regarding the e-ID rollout’s progress and the number of cards produced.
Phillips announced that 7,500 individuals have been enrolled in the system, with approximately 4,600 electronic ID cards issued thus far. Hinds further questioned who holds custody of the collected data and the official designations of those responsible for it. In response, Phillips confirmed that the Data Protection Commissioner oversees this process with the support of staff.
Concerns were raised regarding the legality of data collection, considering no commencement order has yet been issued for the Digital Identity Card Act 2023 and the Data Protection Act 2023. However, Phillips clarified that both laws have received presidential assent and are validly enacted. He indicated that the government is currently operating in a pilot phase under executive authority to test the necessary infrastructure prior to full activation.
The Prime Minister emphasized that participation in the pilot phase is voluntary and based on informed consent, noting that the system consolidates existing data from agencies like the General Register Office (GRO), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Immigration Office rather than collecting new information.
Addressing Hinds’ concerns about Giddings meeting the legal qualifications under the Data Protection Act, which requires the commissioner to have broad knowledge in law, science, and technology, Phillips dismissed the criticism. “Mr. Aneal Giddings has satisfied all the requirements outlined by the Honorable Member and beyond,” he asserted.
Later during the session, opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul inquired about the salary and benefits associated with the commissioner’s position. Phillips disclosed that Giddings earns a basic monthly salary of $1,320,000, along with allowances for housing, entertainment, and phone expenses, plus a vacation allowance equivalent to one month’s salary and a 22.5% gratuity every six months.
Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, another opposition MP, raised allegations that public servants were coerced into signing up for the e-ID system, suggesting that some were informed they would not receive cash grants if they did not participate. Phillips denied these claims and encouraged anyone with evidence to report the situation to the relevant authorities for investigation.
He praised participating public servants and described the e-ID system as a significant step toward modernizing Guyana’s public services, arguing that it would streamline access to services.
In response to further questions, Phillips reassured that the new electronic ID card would not replace the ID card issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for voting purposes. Citizens will still be required to use their GECOM-issued identification to vote and remain on the voters’ list.
Giddings, formerly GECOM’s Information Technology Manager and Deputy Chief Elections Officer, is recognized for his expertise in national registration systems and ID card production, and is expected to play an essential role in advancing the government’s digital transformation agenda.
