Dear Editor,

I write in response to a letter, “No more online payment, RGD?”, in the Observer of February 23. The letter, written by Joan Williams, outlined that she made an application online, but no allowances were available to make payment.

Let me use this opportunity to say that the online application system of the Registrar General’s Department does work, and all customers have the option of paying online with the use of a credit card.

When applications are submitted online, the option is given to select the method of payment. That is:

* Payment with a credit card

* Payment at the RGD office

* International money order (which would apply to overseas applicants, if payment is not being made with a credit card).

An e-mail was sent to Ms Williams requesting a contact number in order to assist, as the experience she described is unusual.

Since January 1, 2011 to February 22, 2011, over 2,749 online applications have been paid for with credit cards, both by local and overseas customers. Customers who apply online and who opt not to pay with a credit card may print the application and make the payment at any of the RGD’s 10 locations.

The RGD will continue to explore and implement innovative measures to satisfy its customers and stakeholders, while capitalising on the benefits of technology. It would not be in our customers’ interest to remove this facility. Additionally, where a service is removed it would have been communicated to all relevant publics.

The RGD will continue to provide to our customers the quality service which they all deserve as we endeavour to ensure complete satisfaction.

We welcome the continued feedback from our customers and we encourage them to place their suggestions and observations in the Suggestion Boxes at any of our offices islandwide, or they could e-mail to information@rgd.gov.jm. You may also contact the RGD at 619-1260 or 749-0550.

Hazel Cunningham

Acting Marketing Manager

Registrar General’s Department

Twickenham Park, St Catherine