Bermuda’s government is preparing an exploratory study of a digital identity framework, with a supplier qualification exercise scheduled for October 5. Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward said the process will gather expertise and examine possible models, rather than select an implementation vendor or launch a national digital ID program.
The Request for Supplier Qualifications, or RFSQ, is intended to identify organizations with relevant experience and help officials assess legal, technical, operational and governance requirements. It will also provide information about international approaches and the safeguards needed when designing identity services.
Hayward told the House of Assembly that the government has not decided to implement a digital identity system. The current work is an information-gathering and evaluation exercise, with future decisions to be informed by technical expertise, international experience and public feedback.
The study addresses identity checks used when residents and businesses access services online or in person. Hayward identified the repeated submission of passports, driving licences, utility bills and other documents to different organizations as an existing administrative burden. Trusted digital credentials are among the approaches the government will examine for streamlining those checks.
The government’s assessment will consider customer onboarding, the reliability of identity information and protection against identity fraud. Privacy, governance, accessibility and public confidence will be part of that review, alongside possible changes to the way public services verify users.
Other Caribbean jurisdictions are developing foundational identity services. The Bahamas is advancing a national digital ID intended to provide citizens and businesses with a reusable credential for government services, as part of a broader digital-economy agenda that includes artificial intelligence legislation and digital-skills training.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is pursuing a World Bank-backed national ID program within its digital transformation plans. Its 2026/27 budget presentation included a $5 million capital allocation for the National ID Programme under the Policy Planning and Administrative Support portfolio.
Bermuda’s exercise is at an earlier exploratory stage. Hayward said residents, businesses, industry stakeholders and other community members will have opportunities to learn about digital identity, ask questions and contribute feedback as the work progresses. Consultation and transparency form part of the assessment process, alongside the supplier information the government plans to collect.
Sources: Government of Bermuda
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
