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Contrasting experiences endured at the Immigration Office
DEAR EDITOR,
On most occasions the scene at the immigration office is quite chaotic. Persons can be seen venting their frustration by the slothfulness of the process and enduring long hours in the line.
I went to renew my passport recently and therefore I had to travel from Essequibo to the city to have it done. Even though I travelled early on the eventful day, I reached the immigration office at around 09:15 hours. By then the lines were swelling to capacity. It would have been a miracle for me to complete the process on the day and return to Essequibo.
My next course of action therefore was to enquire from the staff whether I could have been preferentially accommodated, since obtaining a number to join the line would have been useless. They didn’t offer much, but advised me to meet a Senior Male Officer which I did.
To my astonishment and surprise he was totally dismissive, impatient and insisted that I return and join the line, since his claim was that if he assisted me, he would have to do the same for others. Why then do persons have to see him as stated by the junior staff? In fact, should persons travelling from far and outlying areas not catered for in such circumstances?
At that point I had given up all hope and was planning to return home with the thought of incurring unnecessary expenses, time and energy to travel for long hours. My day was however saved by a pleasant, understanding and courteous Female Senior Officer. In fact she was very sympathetic of my situation and quickly instructed that I receive prompt assistance.
I wish to publicly commend this officer for her tactfulness and wisdom since I believe that the other Officer couldn’t care a damn if I came from Moruca or the Pakaraimas!
I am therefore appealing to the relevant authorities to implement innovative and effective measures that will humanely assist those persons travelling from far distances to do business at the office. There must be a workable plan and while that may be so, the Senior Male Officer is making it quite difficult to work.
Notwithstanding, the immigration office is an important public institution which should be geared towards delinking and transforming its services to the various regions. I was told that it would be quite expensive, but it should be a priority for the next Government.
Elroy Stephney
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