Civil Registry Going Digital

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Friday, 17 June 2011 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua & Barbuda's civil registry has reported steady progress in digitizing its records as part of an ongoing process aimed at modernizing.

The move marks a collaborative project with the Organization of American States (OAS), with technical support from the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science and Technology. The process started in January, and so far has captured all the data on births in the twin-island state. Workers are now capturing data for marriages and deaths.

The registry is using special equipment and software to scan the handwritten entries that are then printed and electronically archived on their database. Going digital will also significantly reduce the time required to receive certificates, as clerks will now be able to quickly access an authentic and instant copy whenever it is requested.

Chief Court Clerk at the High Court of Justice Earleen Baptiste said “for security reasons when the civil registry is fully computerized, birth, death, and marriage certificates will not be handwritten.” 

The information will be printed on special paper that will feature a unique number and other features exclusive to Antigua & Barbuda. “When the process is finished, persons will have to come with their ID and have vital information to give to the clerk," she said. "The information will then be inputted into the system where it will be verified.”

According to Baptiste, in the past, residents would consult tombstones and visit the office trying to request a birth paper for “John Doe”, but when asked for certain information relating to the deceased, they were unable to provide it, indicating that something was suspicious about the request. 

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“….the birth paper will be printed on secure paper, precious as bank notes and kept in a secure location,” Baptiste said.
Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science and Technology Dr Edmond Mansoor thanked the OAS for collaborating with the government on the initiative, and said the process is in keeping with the requirements of international standards.

“Let me commend the staff at the High Court and the support team who is moving from the old handwritten format into this new digital era, and ensuring that the necessary safety features are put into the collection of the data,” he said. “…This is part of the government’s electronic modernization programme and it is also part of the programme to improve the efficiency of the services that are offered to the public.”

Other departments including the immigration and passport offices will also be able to tap into the database. The process is tentatively scheduled to wrap up in 2012.

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