THE EDITOR, Sir:
This writer opposes the notion
of the evil of bureaucracy and red tape about which so many complain in this country. My position is due to the fact that if these safeguards of checks and balances of things are not done, things would be far worse in terms of honesty and integrity in doing business and seeking
service in this society.
For many years, I have renewed my passport. This
last one that expired made me seek renewal by submitting
the relevant documents, except a birth certificate. Of course, the present expired one, has the valid date of birth as per all others before. However, I was told that it is mandatory for one to submit a birth certificate before any
application can be accepted.
I now venture the process by application through the branch of the Registrar General at Trevennion Road to get the passport, only to discover that no cash is accepted, no personal cheque, only postal order, bank manager's cheque or credit
card. That was discovered on the first day at the office when I entered the line. There was room for three cashiers but only one serving the many persons
patiently waiting.
The second day I went back with the postal order only to be told that the registration number is needed for which I must pay $100, which I did. But, then,
payment will not be accepted
for the application until a search is made, which takes three days. If I can pay $100 for this,
why cannot the application fee
by cash be accepted?
Again, the line is long with one cashier. Also, on this day, I drove to the Cross Roads Post Office to purchase the order. There was none, after much difficulty to find parking. The postmaster advised that the order can be had at one bank at Cross Roads. I went; there was another long wait. I left the Registrar General's Department
dissatisfied, due to what I have expressed heretofore. One
man was even intolerant,
unwilling to listen.
FOURTH VISIT
However, a fourth visit was met from the cashier with 'were you called?' I did not
follow. He asked a second time, then said I should have got a call about the search and then put the number on the application. I was sent to customer service to have the system indicate the result of the search. He instructed that a new application must be written and given with the cheque. I returned with it and he left me standing until someone else attended to me.
I will admit one good thing happened. I applied for a birth certificate for my sister who is in Canada. This request was
for a seven-day payment
delivery. It took 16 days but was delivered at my home very good, but after 16 days.
I eventually got the certificate delivered at home after more than seven days.
Finally, the old passport and documents were given to the passport office only to be told I must bring photographs without my glasses. One is not averse to change but not of such extra expense of time and funds
without real reason. Why all this? Do something somebody and ease the pressure on ordinary
citizens!
I am etc,
RUPERT A. YOUNG
grupyoung@c.w.jamaica.com
