Dear Editor,

Does Jamaica need a Registrar General’s Department? Of course we do. This department is the repository of the most important documents needed to do just about anything in the country. Yet the one we have does not provide quick, efficient service or in some instances, any service at all and is tolerated by all our governments.

To begin with, can you believe that this most important department has not had a properly working switchboard for over two years? Further, it is almost impossible to find a working number from the long list of numbers their recording churns out. As to getting the number of someone in charge, if you do, you get a recording saying, “This party does not accept incoming calls!” As to emails, they seem to reach no further than File 13.

Oh yes, they are very efficient at extorting large fees from the public for “express” and other services, but giving any value for money does not seem to be on the agenda.

The RGD falls under the Ministry of Health, so the buck stops with Minister Ruddy Spencer and his permanent secretary. It cannot be that they are unaware of the lack of professionalism and poor performance, since for years the call-in programmes have been full of complaints against that department. Has the present government which campaigned on “change” ever made a move to have the services improved? Absolutely not.

I wonder if the new economic measures should be accepted as a serious intention by the government to finally start doing the job they were elected to? If this is so, why not have a quick Cabinet reshuffle and get rid of non-performing ministers? Of course, I would not hold my breath.

Quite frankly though, I think it would be a better idea if the functions of the RGD were divested to a couple of firms in the private sector where at least competition would bring about a better level of efficiency and customer service.

Joan Williams

greatestj@hotmail.com