THE EDITOR, Sir:THE LONG delay in getting or renewing a passport after application has caused widespread dismay and frustration and among Jamaican citizens in New York. They are complaining that the situation is exacerbated when the issuance of the passport was moved out of the office of the consulate and sent to Jamaica.
For the upcoming season a survey has revealed that probably hundreds of Jamaican who are contemplating travel will not be able to do so because of the existing situation. There is anxiety and disquiet among the Jamaicans in the area and citizens are planning to petition the government in Jamaica to do something about it immediately to ameliorate the situation.
It reflects a bad perception on the office of the Consulate and I must add that the Consul General and his staff are doing a magnificent job in regard to services to the Jamaican community.
Invariably, the Government comes in for harsh criticism for the overdue delay since the ministry in Jamaica has taken over the issuance. It is felt it is the same red tape bureaucracy that exists at home, now extended to its foreign office here.
It may be minimal or negligible but any loss of a travelling Jamaican is a loss for the tourist industry and a loss for the foreign exchange that the country so critically needs. It is indeed unfair to the consul general's office to be taking the tremendous blame which surely it does not deserve.
It is hoped that the publication of this letter will make a difference and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under whose domain the consulate falls, improve for the new year.
I am, etc.,
DAVIS A. SAMMS
842 East 55th Street, Brooklyn, NY
