Forging of Minister’s signature: NDMA launches full systems review after tint waiver breach

The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Government digital systems following the dismissal of two employees linked to the misuse of the online tint waiver platform.
In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said the workers were summarily dismissed on March 27 after an internal investigation confirmed their unauthorised access and manipulation of the Tint Waiver Application System. The breach was initially flagged through routine audit mechanisms within the Home Affairs Ministry, which detected irregular approvals that had not been authorised.
According to the NDMA, the matter was immediately escalated and subjected to a detailed review by an internal committee. The findings led to swift disciplinary action, in keeping with the agency’s strict zero-tolerance policy on breaches of cybersecurity and public trust.
The NDMA stressed that the actions of the dismissed employees represent a serious violation of established protocols, ethical standards, and system safeguards. It underscored that such conduct does not reflect the professionalism of its workforce or the broader standards upheld across the Government of Guyana’s digital infrastructure.
Further action is expected, as the matter is being referred to law enforcement authorities. The NDMA said it will continue to cooperate fully with the Home Affairs Ministry and other investigative bodies.
Comprehensive review
In response to the incident, the agency has launched a comprehensive review of its internal systems, including access controls, audit procedures, and governance protocols. Additional measures are also being implemented to strengthen monitoring and accountability, particularly among personnel with administrative or developmental access to critical platforms.
The NDMA maintained that the breach is an isolated incident and assured the public that all actions are being handled in accordance with the laws of Guyana, with a focus on preserving confidence in digital Government services.
The developments come as the Government moves to overhaul the vehicle tint framework. The online tint waiver system, which previously facilitated exemptions, has been scrapped in favour of uniform regulations applicable to all motorists.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond confirmed that criminal charges will be pursued in relation to the fraud. She described the breach as a serious threat to the integrity of the system but noted that its discovery through routine audits demonstrated the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms.
Under the revised policy, all vehicles will be permitted to use tinted glass within defined limits, eliminating the need for individual waivers. Rear windscreens and door glass must not exceed 20 per cent Visible Light Transmission (VLT), while front windscreens and door glass must allow at least 25 per cent VLT, inclusive of a six-inch visor.
The Guyana Police Force has indicated that enforcement of the new regulations begins immediately, marking a transition to a more standardised and transparent system intended to address longstanding concerns over inconsistency in the previous waiver-based approach.