Divest Registrar General's Department (RGD) services
Published:Saturday | January 16, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
Does Jamaica need a Registrar General's Department (RGD)? Of course we do. For this department is the repository of the most important documents needed to do just about anything in the country. Yet, the fact that the one we currently have does not provide quick, efficient service or, in some instances, any service at all, is tolerated by all our governments.
To begin with, can you believe that this most important department has not had a working switchboard for over two years? Further, it is almost impossible to find a working number from the long list of numbers their recording spits out. As to getting the number of someone in charge, if you do, such numbers are met with a recording saying, "this party does not accept incoming calls!"
Oh yes, they are very efficient at collecting large fees from the public for 'express' and other services, but giving any value for money does not seem to be on the agenda there.
The RGD falls under the Ministry of Health, so the buck stops with Minister Ruddy Spencer and his permanent secretary. It cannot be that they are unaware of the lack of professionalism and poor performance there, since for years the call-in programmes have been replete with complaints against that department. Has the present government, which campaigned on 'change', ever made a move to have the services there improved? Absolutely not.
absolutely incompetent
Oh yes, they are excellent on rhetoric but absolutely incompetent when it comes to performance.
I wonder if the new economic measures should be accepted as a serious intention by the Government finally to start doing the job they were elected to? If this is so, why not have a quick Cabinet reshuffle and get rid of non-performing ministers? Of course, I won't hold my breath.
Quite frankly though, I think it would be a better idea if the functions of the RGD were divested to a couple firms in the private sector, where at least competition would bring about a better level of efficiency and customer service.
I am, etc.,
JOAN WILLIAMS
Kingston 10