National ID system not ‘mark of the beast’: RBF

Opposition to Fiji’s proposed National Digital ID (NDID) system based on biblical interpretations has been challenged during public consultations in Lautoka.

Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Deputy Governor Esala Masitabua said concerns from some religious groups linking the system to the “mark of the beast” in the Book of Revelation were unfounded.

Speaking at the consultation at the RSL Hall in Lautoka today, Mr Masitabua explained that the system relies on individuals’ unique biometric features, such as fingerprints.

He said it was designed to improve public services, not to enforce any religious or apocalyptic mandate.

“There are concerns about parts of the Bible, particularly Revelation 13, which talks about the ‘mark of the beast’ and not being able to participate in buying and selling,” he said.

“For me, we just can’t see that link. God made us all different. No fingerprints are the same. It is about leveraging the uniqueness God has given us to develop systems that improve services, including healthcare and identification.”

The Government is developing the NDID to provide citizens and residents with a secure, unified form of identification.

Currently, Fijians rely on multiple forms of ID, including voter cards, joint ID cards, and passports, that are not integrated, resulting in fragmented access to services.

Cabinet approved the programme in June 2024, recognising it as a key enabler of digital government, financial inclusion, and improved public service delivery.

The RBF and the Ministry of Policing and Communications are co-leading the project, with support from the Asian Development Bank.

A diagnostic and implementation strategy completed in February 2025 outlines a phased rollout from 2025 to 2030.

During the consultation, Lautoka and Yasawa Ex-Servicemen president Sekove Bainivanua criticised Christians who oppose the system.

“Those Christians who oppose this system do not understand the Bible,” he said.

“Whether you agree or disagree, it will come to pass. We are seeing the fulfilment of prophecy. The Word of God keeps us stable and at peace. We should understand the times we are living in.”

Mr Bainivanua also voiced support for the proposed NDID system, emphasising that it aligns with progress and service improvements rather than religious dictates.