Dear Editor,

“One step forward, two steps backward.” That must be the motto of the Registrar General’s Department in Spanish Town. The last time I applied for a document from that office I was able to apply and pay online.

This week the application was accepted online but no allowances were available to pay, and an email was sent with instructions that applicants should go to one of the branches within 14 days and pay for the service. The only explanation I can think of for this regression is that the bureaucrats there must have decided that those who apply online were having life too easy so they must be made to suffer, hence they are now being sent to the outlets to wait forever to be served.

I wonder what happens to applicants from overseas? Do they now have to journey to Jamaica to pay for the service, get a number and wait for a day or two until their number is called? Apparently the only people who are satisfied with the services of the RGD are those in charge.

Joan Williams

Kingston 10

gratestj@gmail.com