THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD love to use your medium to express my disgust and to suggest an alternative to the Registrar-General's Department, Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.
On Monday, May 13, 2002, I had the 'pleasure' of using the services offered by the department, namely a 'correction of error.'
I called the department and was informed to come and pick up a 'correction of error' form to address the error. I went there just to pick up the form, only now to be informed that I cannot get the form without having the original certificate on spot so that the person giving me the form can see the error. I left to get the original and returned about 15 minutes later.
I was now given a different story, "join the line." This line was about 30 persons long waiting to be seated in chairs occupied by about 60 persons served by two clerks. The average time per person is about five minutes. Fortunately for me I live in Portmore, but still could not wait. I had to leave the form and return to work.
My simple solution to this dilemma re the department and its overcrowding and red tape is, decentralise the services, use the post offices across the island. This would reduce overcrowding at the department. The relevant forms and trained outreach personnel would be on hand to assist. The usual fees would be collected at the post office and the forms mailed to the central department.
Why not give it a try. Someone once said, "You have not failed if you have tried."
I am, etc.,
MATTHEW HYMAN matthewhyman@hotmail.com
Portmore Gardens
Bridgeport P.O.
