THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON DECEMBER 4, 2000: I submitted a completed status form at the RGD office at Twickenham Park to complete the registration of the birth of my baby that was born on October 31, 2000, at UHWI. The birth entry number BY 2514 was listed.
I also applied for three copies of his Birth Certificate. The required fee was paid. I was promised to get them by mail in four to six weeks.
March 16, 2001: I e-mailed the RGD requesting information of status of the birth certificates for which I applied. The birth entry number was listed. I received no response.
March 20, 2001: I posted a letter to RGD requesting information of status of the birth certificates for which I applied. The birth entry number was listed. I received no response.
May 14, 2001: I went to RGD office to check on the status of the application. At 7:00 a.m. I joined the line which started outside the fence. I endured the hot morning sun for three hours during which a member of the security team pulled his firearm at an applicant just ahead of me in the line. When I finally reached the gate, the security told me to come back another day as he had already let in the quota for the day. I explained my case and was finally allowed to go in. At the counter the agent told me that the certificate was not ready yet. When I pressed for an explanation I was told that they cannot find the record.
June 27, 2001: I submitted an application on-line to RGD for birth certificates for the baby. The birth entry number was listed. I received no response.
October 24, 2001: I telephoned RGD and spoke to Rose Lewis who told me that documents were not ready but they would do a search and call to inform me of the status. I received no response.
November 20, 2001: I re-submitted an application on-line to RGD for birth certificates for the baby. The birth entry number was listed. I received no response. I telephone RGD and spoke to Miss Trisha who informed me that the documents were still not ready. I went in and re-submitted a completed Status form to Miss Robinson.
November 21, 2001: I telephoned RGD and spoke to Miss Trisha again, who informed me that the documents were still not ready.
December 6, 2001: I telephoned RGD and spoke to Mrs. Rose Lewis who informed me that the documents were still not ready.
January 10, 2002: I visited RGD. Still no document. I re-applied on-line to RGD. Birth entry number listed. No document, no response.
January 30, 2002: I visited RGD. The birth papers were still not ready. I was given another status form to complete and return. I also spoke to Mr. McCormack who took my number and promised to call but did not.
I have gone back to the hospital twice about the matter and was informed that RGD collected my son's birth record already.
I am now totally frustrated and confused and I need the documents. Can you help me in obtaining birth certificates for the child? Telephone me at 961-7148.
I am, etc.,
LESLIE SCARLETT
Lot 110 4E
Greater Portmore
St. Catherine
