THE EDITOR, Sir:
I NOTE a letter written (Friday, March 12) by an individual referring to the frustration encountered in dealing with a traffic offence. I would like to add my voice and point out that this frustration extends to any business involving the public sector.
I purchased a new vehicle. Having paid all the relevant taxes, the stage of licensing the vehicle had been reached. There was a discrepancy between the name on the entry and that on the TRN. You see I obtained my professional degree and am licensed to practise my profession in my maiden name but my TRN recognises the fact that I am now married by using a hyphenated name.
Recognising that the institution of marriage does exist, it would seem reasonable to request a copy of my marriage certificate to confirm that I am the same person. But logical thought and reason cannot co-exist with the performance of duties in the public sector. I was therefore required to resubmit the entry using my hyphenated name and so start the process all over again. The cheque that had already been submitted to the Customs Department had to be refunded to me and a new cheque submitted for this now 'new' entry.
It is clear that bureaucracy is the order of the day. Despite this there are still many products, including motor vehicles, entering this country illegally. It seems that these protocols, which I was obliged to follow, apply only to those persons who follow the law and the lawless can continue to go forward with their business.
I can now report that, more than three weeks later I have received my vehicle. I am signing this letter with just my married name, maybe I will need to rewrite the letter since I am now a different person.
I am, etc.,
GILIAN FLETCHER
Via Go-Jamaica
