Janet Silvera, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU: AN ACUTE shortage of immigration officers at the island's two major airports, Sangster and Norman Manley International, could put a damper on what promises to be a bumper tourist season.
The glitch has resulted in
unusually long lines, lengthy
waiting hours in the arrival areas. There are reports of passengers fainting, owing to lack of proper ventilation, particularly at Sangster.
A solution to the problem is not in sight until mid-year, said Leighton Wilson, director of immigration. "There is no question that we have a shortage," he told The Sunday Gleaner. He said the Ministry of National Security is recruiting persons, but needs time for training.
It has been more than three months since the crisis became apparent, yet the recruitment exercise has not commenced, The Sunday Gleaner was told.
However, The Sunday Gleaner has learnt that National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips should be attending an emergency
meeting with stakeholders in the tourist industry tomorrow
morning, with the hope of ironing out the kinks.
In the meantime, the immigration chief explained that his department cannot recruit
people from the streets. "We cannot select blindly and we are doing everything to speed up the process," he contended.
