The Vital Statistics Unit office did not open until 10:00 this morning, leaving agents outside once again wondering whether they would be able to conduct business today. And while they waited we managed to speak with the Attorney General inside, who gave us some insight on what went wrong with their transition onto the new civil registry and vital statistics system. Jomarie Lanza has the story.
It was not exactly a smooth transition for the Vital Statistics Unit onto its new modern digital platform that was launched earlier this week. The day after they went online we were met with disgruntled agents and applicants outside of the office who expressed their dissatisfaction with the changes to apply for documents. We asked the AG today what their consultation looked like before they attempted to transition online.
Anthony Sylvester, Attorney General
"So this is the system and the development of the system actually is a three year process. It is very much engaged and that engagement and work was across ministries. Initially it started as a, vital static unit initiative but during that process we appreciated that, what really ultimately was the goal is to have the digitization of all life events which would include births, deaths marriages, adoptions, Depots that it would require assistance and so the ministry of E-governance was engaged, the ministry of E-governance they were tasked they have the responsibility to ensure that all government services and operations as far as possible are able to be digitized and that is a consequence to be able to have for the users and Belizeans more efficient access to those various services. And we have seen in the past, government has taken this approach with respect to immigration. The immigration department and their online system which allows for persons to actually fill in their immigration documents prior to leaving. And this is just keeping with what takes place in the rest of the world you know globally."
But in trying to keep up with the rest of the world the Vital Stats Unit now finds itself having to use a hybrid system, half paper based and half online.
Anthony Sylvester, Attorney General
"So when you have a launch and you have a system of this magnitude there are a number of things which is why you would have the launch there will be glitches that have to be addressed, but I must say that some of the, I did not have an opportunity to see the interview. Some of the comments were grossly exaggerated I'm not quite the case, but suffice to say that's the purpose of the launch, so we go through a process and we are expecting by March that everything will be able to operate seamlessly but as things stand today, persons can access the online system, and they can begin to apply and have process. Both applications for birth, death, marriages, and adoptions, and deed polls. And as well for first registration of births and deaths and marriages through the online system."
"The hybrid system will be continuous, online and paper based and the reason for that obviously is that some persons prefer to physically come into the office and they still very much prefer to have received their certificates in hand. The online application, the online system what that will result with the certificate being emailed, being whatsapp to their telephone number to their email account and so persons who may not be technologically savvy may very much prefer to still come in our office and physically make their applications."
