The much-talked about Biometric Identity Card scheme has been finally launched replacing the current National Identity Card in circulation, according to a release from the Gambia Immigration Department.

Biometric recognition or biometrics, refers to the automatic identification of a person based on his/her anatomical (e.g. fingerprint, iris) or behavioral (e.g., signature) characteristics or traits.

This method of identification, according to experts, offers several advantages over traditional methods of identification- ID cards (tokens) or PIN numbers (passwords) for various reasons:

(I) The person to be identified is required to be physically present at the point-of-identification; (ii) identification based on biometric techniques obviates the need to remember a password or carry a token.

To this effect, according to the statement, all National Identity Card applicants are urged to go to the Immigration Head Office to obtain a new National Identity Card, at a cost of D200.00 (two hundred Dalasi) all inclusive.

The statement, however, stated that applicants must produce a birth certificate, Gambian passport, certificate of registration, voter’s card, Seyfo certificate, village Alkalo’s certificate or certificate of naturalisation before being issued with the new ID card.

Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, the Gambia Immigration Department, according to a statement, has with effect from 5th August 2009 assigned the portfolio of Public Relations Officer to Cadet Inspector Lamin K. Manneh.