Get over yourself

When I tried in vain to have a few words in the archaic, illogical and technically illegal release and discharge government document changed, an empowered female employee of the Office of the Public Defender instructed, "Dr Rattray, get over yourself and sign it". Even though my only concern was for everyone forced to sign that ridiculous document, Ms Empowered Employee chose to suggest that ego fuelled my efforts. Well, thanks to her, I resolved to "get over myself" - my reservations about exposing my bad experiences - and publicise them for the sake of others.

Recently, at the Norman Manley International Airport, I overheard the sole male in a group of three special constables remark that if any child of his were molested, he would get his "lass" (cutlass or machete) and chop up the perpetrator. Since we forfeit all civil rights to travel, I dared not comment. Dismayed at the cop's murderous musings, I walked towards a wide space between two ropes directly facing the immigration booths. I stood there because the space seemed created for queuing, and there were no visible signs directing me to stand elsewhere. When a booth became free, I saw a young man walking from my far right. I did not see him before and thought that I may have been waiting before him, but it was very early, the place was almost empty, nobody else was around and I was in no hurry, so I waited.

My turn eventually came and I presented my documents to a female officer who incessantly berated me for not noticing where I should have stood and waited. Explaining that I did not see anything indicating where a line should begin only intensified her tongue-lashing. Attempts to assuage her incomprehensible wrath by blaming my apparent mistake on my age were to no avail. Emboldened by her 'power' and having seen my profession in the passport, she amused herself by audaciously ridiculing me repeatedly. She announced that I could not be a good doctor because I was unobservant. Without any rights, I had no recourse.

My experience on returning two days later was also interesting. Having cleared immigration without incident, I approached a customs officer in the 'Nothing to declare' line. I placed my passport and immigration-customs form in her hand, she removed the form, examined it, hurriedly placed my passport face down on the counter then (literally) ran off while mumbling something that sounded like, "Be right back".

No explanation

I surmised that there might have been a problem with the way that immigration verified my form, so I waited patiently while several passengers joined other lines and left the airport. She never returned. Eventually, one of her co-workers asked me why I was standing there. I explained that the officer ran off. The co-worker said, "That line can go". I asked if she was certain and she only repeated her instruction - no explanation, no apology, nothing but me being made to feel foolish.

Customs and immigration officers are public servants that are SUPPOSED to receive SOME customer service training. The overbearing-aggressive-abusive immigration officer and dismissive, careless customs officer are not typical of these groups. The actions of those individuals deserve to be publicised for the sake of other travellers.

Sadly, in spite of this article, chances are that their respective supervisors will not contact me to investigate these officers and passengers will continue to fall victim to their unprofessionalism and crassness. So, for the good of everyone, I urge other citizens to 'get over themselves' and expose the bad practices of empowered government employees.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Feedback may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com