Dear Editor,

Jamaicans face challenges on a daily basis, especially when dealing with the public health system. But despite the perils of living in Jamaica, citizens are usually irritated by minor problems. The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) has received quite a backlash because of its decision to increase its processing fees. We do not need to agree with the policy, but accept the fact that PICA’s expenses are also increasing.

In the future, PICA will no longer be financed by the Consolidated Fund. Therefore, it is only prudent for its directors to increase the organisation’s stream of revenue. Raising fees may be the best short-term option available, but in the near future, more creative initiatives may be implemented.

In the future, PICA will no longer be financed by the Consolidated Fund. Therefore, it is only prudent for its directors to increase the organisation’s stream of revenue. Raising fees may be the best short-term option available, but in the near future, more creative initiatives may be implemented.

Several people have been trying to avoid the new fees by engaging PICA before their effect date. This has put a strain on the agency, hence its decision to institute a quota of no more than 1,000 applications per day at the head office, and lower numbers at outstations. Now, clearly many will be upset, especially those who were waiting for hours to be served. But to suggest that PICA’S action is tantamount to oppression is nonsense. No one wants to pay more money for anything in these times. However, the reality is that costs are increasing for both agencies and individuals alike, so obviously we will be paying more for most services.

Critics of PICA are really overexaggerating. If a quota system is implemented, customers can return another day. Anyone who needed a passport immediately and was put at a disadvantage by PICA can only blame himself for procrastinating. For example, if my passport expired on May 22, 2015, and I was planning to travel on last day in May, it would not be wise for me to renew my passport days before the end the expiration date. Only fools procrastinate, because they do not take into account what can go wrong. Furthermore, having a passport, just like accessing education, is essential, so we should not complain about its cost. People often decry the cost of education and other important things in life, but when it comes to attending expensive parties they do not complain so much. This scenario only exposes the shallow mindset of average Jamaicans and their ability to elevate simple issues beyond their importance.

Lipton Matthews