Dear Editor,
The Government Administration building has been at the centre of attention again for more reasons than one. Not in the least because of the recent ceremonial change of the political/ Ministerial ‘guards’ at the helm of the decision-making process of our Island.
However, there is an equally serious issue simmering in the midst of all the political turmoil. The issue is the feeling of helplessness, loss of respect, impatience and uncivil behaviour towards our fellow citizens. This behaviour is unacceptable.
Prior to hurricane Irma, our government service, especially in regard to the census office sectors, ‘ burger zaken’, has been under pressure to provide basic and in reasonable time documents such as driver’s license, ID cards, passports, excerpts from the civil registry etc.’ Waiting time up to three months or longer, due to faulty machinery, or system malfunctions has been known for quite some time. It’s perfectly understandable that temporary measures must be taken in the aftermath of an extreme natural disaster to ensure that a basic level of service is continued.
The public service centre in Simpson Bay is still closed while offices are being repaired. Most government services are now centred at the government administration building in Philipsburg, including the extra assistance provided to those who deserve help most, by the social welfare department. The location is understandably packed, especially in the morning hours. Consideration should be given in regard to the latter, to assist these persons, in their own districts, from the offices of the community councils.
To be clear and fair, there are those civil servants who are courteous and professional in performing their daily duties at the government administration offices and at other buildings, including security personnel.
Given the negative experiences by numerous visitors who were (are) subjected to unfriendly and downright rude employees, clearly there is an urgent need for someone in authority to step in, step up and improve the manner in which people are addressed. The experiences are too many and too often.
Adding insult after injury (homes, destroyed, jobs lost, etc.,) and being subjected to unruly behaviour is simply unacceptable. This must never become the new norm. Immediate attention is required by those administrators who are charged with this supervision, to improve or rectify what should be better.
We must ensure that a decent level of service continues to be provided. Service that includes, but is not limited to phones being answered, when numbers are given by the civil registry department to make an appointment to pick up documents. The hours when visitors can ‘walk in’ without appointment (now from 8:30- 10:00 am) is expanded back to ‘normal’ working hours as soon as possible. Most importantly, ensure that personnel working at the front offices remain calm and professional when addressing their clients at all times.
We must be mindful of the very stress full situation thousands of our citizens are under in the aftermath of the devastation of hurricane Irma. We must never allow our friendliness, humbleness, and our servitude be replaced with animosity towards our fellow citizens. As we move slowly forward towards recovery and building a smarter and stronger foundation of our nation, now more than ever, requires leadership, empathy and civility in dealing with the people’s business
Gracita Arrindell
President, People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA)
