In his maiden budget address to the House of Assembly, Bahamas’ newly installed Minister of Innovation and National Development Sebas Bastian has outlined an ambitious cross-cutting plan to modernize the country’s public administration, anchored by the introduction of a unified national identity card. The proposal comes as Bahamian citizens currently navigate a fragmented system of multiple identity documents—including passports, voter registration cards, National Insurance (NIB) cards, and driver’s licenses—required to complete transactions across public and private sectors. Each service maintains its own identity verification requirements, creating layers of bureaucratic friction for citizens interacting with government agencies.
Bastian argued that the current fragmented identification framework creates unnecessary red tape that strains the relationship between the state and the public. A single, trusted, secure national credential, he says, would eliminate redundant checks, cut down on time citizens spend waiting in government lines, and deliver stronger protections against identity fraud. The proposed card would act as a universal verification tool, allowing citizens to access government services, sign official documents, and collect entitled benefits seamlessly across all government touchpoints. “One trusted, secure credential that lets a Bahamian access services, sign documents, and receive what they are owed — simply, and safely. Less time in line. Stronger protection against fraud. A government that recognises you wherever you go,” Bastian told the assembly.
The minister did not clarify key details of the proposal, including whether the card would be mandatory for all citizens or if it would replace any of the existing identity documents currently in use. What he did emphasize is that the national ID card will sit at the core of a broader push to break down long-standing technology silos that have left disconnected government ministry systems unable to share data securely. Bastian distinguished between superficial digitization—installing new technology in individual departments—and true systemic transformation, noting that disconnected platforms cannot deliver a streamlined experience for citizens even if they are individually upgraded.
“Interoperability is central to our modernisation strategy,” he said. “Government systems must be designed to communicate securely, share information where appropriate, and support a seamless experience for citizens, businesses, and investors.” Moving forward, all new government systems will be required to adhere to shared interoperability standards, with the national ID framework as the foundation of this connected government model. Bastian also added that the project will prioritize robust privacy and security safeguards, with the Bahamian government retaining full control of the identity system. Where domestic development is not feasible, Bastian pledged that local workers will be trained to operate and maintain the system, ensuring long-term technical capacity remains in Bahamian hands.
The national ID plan is just one component of a far-reaching reform agenda Bastian announced for his ministry, which also includes major regulatory and educational initiatives centered on artificial intelligence, expanded satellite connectivity, and a revitalized national development strategy. Noting that no emerging technology holds greater potential to reshape key sectors including education, business, and healthcare, Bastian said The Bahamas will not cede its place in the global AI revolution—but will not adopt the technology without robust regulatory safeguards to protect citizens.
To advance this balanced approach, Bastian announced the creation of a new National Artificial Intelligence Committee, drawing representatives from the public and private sectors as well as the legal community. The committee will be tasked with drafting The Bahamas’ first national AI legislation, rooted in the country’s core values and principles. The proposed regulatory framework will establish a permanent AI Authority tasked with overseeing the responsible development and deployment of AI, setting clear regulatory guardrails, and strengthening ongoing oversight of the sector. Bastian revealed that preliminary work is already underway, with government officials holding discussions with several of the world’s leading AI technology companies to inform the process.
To ensure all Bahamians can benefit from the AI transition, the minister also proposed a national AI literacy initiative that will deliver both in-person and online training courses in artificial intelligence and software development, accessible to citizens across every island regardless of socioeconomic background. Emphasizing that future readiness starts in education, Bastian pledged full support for the Ministry of Education as it integrates AI training into national classroom curricula.
Beyond digital ID and AI, Bastian’s agenda includes exploring new opportunities in satellite connectivity and the broader global space industry, building the resilient digital infrastructure required to support a competitive modern Bahamian economy. The minister also committed to revitalizing the country’s National Development Plan, previously treated as a static strategic document that was left largely unimplemented. Going forward, Bastian said, the plan will be treated as a “living instrument” updated regularly to reflect changing national priorities, with progress tracking embedded across all government departments.
Starting this August, the plan’s secretariat will conduct a nationwide assessment of planning capacity across all ministries and government departments, establishing a centralized system to track implementation progress. Bastern noted that the plan will be updated to include fast-growing emerging sectors that did not exist when the country’s Vision 2040 was originally drafted, including AI, digital services, fintech, and space technology—areas he identified as core to The Bahamas’ future competitive advantage. All updates to the plan will be developed through broad consultation with stakeholders, business leaders, and community members across every island. Finally, Bastian pledged to modernize the Bahamas National Statistical Institute to improve the quality and timeliness of national data collection and analysis, enabling policymakers to make faster, more informed decisions that serve the public good.
Bastian pledges new national ID card to reduce red tape
