Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has categorically rejected what she described as “false and misleading statements” circulating on social media regarding the issuance of the new Electronic Identification (E-ID) Card, calling them “misinformed, irresponsible, and clearly intended to create public confusion about a legitimate national security initiative.”
The minister by her own explanation during the Police press conference on Wednesday, may have contributed to the confusion. However, in a statement following a press conference, Minister Walrond clarified the E-ID Card will be issued to both citizens and non-citizens. She explained that there will be an E-ID Citizen Card for Guyanese nationals, and an E-ID Resident Card for migrants who meet the required legal criteria — including those holding valid work permits.
According to the Minister, the E-ID Resident Cards are designed to ensure compliance with national regulations such as those of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), while also enabling secure access to both government and private sector services.
Walrond emphasised that the E-ID Resident Cards issued to non-citizens “will remain valid only for the period of their approved legal stay, after which they automatically become invalid.”
She strongly dismissed suggestions that the Government’s monitoring of foreign nationals was an attempt to “legitimize illegal migrants,” describing such claims as “malicious, mischievous, and intended to sow public discord — tactics that serve the narrow interests of those who peddle misinformation.”
Minister Walrond reaffirmed that the Government of Guyana remains committed to modernizing public services, protecting borders, ensuring the safety of citizens, and enhancing national security through the responsible use of technology.
She concluded by urging citizens to “rely only on verified, official information and to reject divisive narratives that undermine national unity.”
