Get your priorities straight, RGD

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Recently, I visited the Registrar General's Department's (RGD) Twickenham Park branch to enquire about the 'free' first copy of my child's birth certificate, which after his 18 months on earth we are yet to receive.

I was infuriated when, on reaching the gate, I was told by the security that I was unable to enter because my blouse was not suitable - a tank top which the security guard referred to as merino. Another woman was also sent away for wearing a jeans skirt which was above her knees.

Why does one's appearance become priority over providing good service? Why are we, the public, scrutinised on what is worn to this public institution? A dress code purely subjective and determined by the security guard on duty: while the matter of service is left undesirable?

Is this institution a church or being run by churchgoers who feel it necessary to subject us to their beliefs? Where else in the world are public facilities of this type, aside from a court, insistent on a dress code?

Focus on service

Why isn't the RGD priority not on serving the people and offering efficient service instead of monitoring how the client dresses?

RGD claims, and has been advertising, that as of 2007 every child born and registered with a name at bedside in both private and public hospitals will be issued the first copy of his/her birth certificate free.

My child, who was born in a private hospital, is yet to receive the so-called 'free' copy. This first copy that is claimed to be free actually cost $300 per my receipt. On that day, upon presenting my receipt, the clerk simply said, "I can't help you, as the receipt number you hold is not yet in the system." Therefore, I cannot get the birth certificate or a refund.

No further checks were done as to what had happened to the certificate paid for, or what the RGD personnel who wrote me the receipt in the hospital might have done with the money paid over. I was simply turned away like the many others who go to RGD seeking service daily.

If my child, who was born more than a year ago at a private hospital, has not received this birth certificate, what of those children born at public hospitals? I find the service at the RGD to be totally unacceptable, yet it turns away clients for not being clothed from head to toe.

I urge the new prime minister and the RGD management to review quickly this rather unfathomable directive for paying clients conducting business with this institution.

For Jamaicans, it is time we come together and demand better respect and service from these government institutions. I leave for the US with a feeling of hopelessness for my country after this RGD experience.

CONCERNED JAMAICAN,

Kingston 8