THE EDITOR, Sir,
FOR THE purpose of setting the record straight, I wish to comment on the letter from one Ms. Jacqueline Lauray, captioned, "I was embarrassed by my Jamaican Consulate" that appeared in the September 29, 2001 issue of The Gleaner. There is no evidence that the matter complained about was brought to the attention of this office. We learned about Ms. Lauray's problem through the letter published in The Gleaner.
A thorough investigation of her blanket condemnation revealed the following:
1. She visited the Consulate on Friday, June 29, 2001. At that time she indicated that she had to travel, but the passport that was issued in 1986 was lost. This passport in any event, would have been expired since 1996.
2. She was issued with a travel document to facilitate her travel.
3. This document was collected on July 3, 2001.
Please note that rather than the usual 5-day waiting period, Ms. Lauray received this travel document in two working days, an indication of our willingness to provide quick service and to be as helpful as possible. As in other instances similar to this, many applicants disregard rules and regulations at their pleasure. Documents lost are never reported and replacements applied for in a reasonable time-frame to allow proper checks. It is often when last-minute travel arrangements are being done, then the pressure is applied.
Too often individual complaints are used to generalise and throw accusations, as in this case. This office is proud to place on record that each and everyone is treated with respect and courtesy. We are entirely serious about the continued improvement in levels of efficiency achieved and a kinder and gentler relationship in dealing with the public.
I am, etc.,
Dr. BASIL K. BRYAN
Consul General, New York
cg@congenjamaica-ny.org
767 Third Avenue,
New York
Via Go-Jamaica
