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| Jamaican Parliament |
The archaic colonial mindset entrenched within our government institutions must be eradicated without delay. While the National Housing Trust and the National Health Fund have shown signs of progress, the rest lag behind in a tangle of outdated practices that breed nothing but public frustration and perpetuate corruption. The blatant gatekeeping and brazen corruption have become ingrained in our society, tarnishing our national identity.
Attempting to get around these bureaucratic mazes with patience has proven futile. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, remains shackled by antiquated customs, such as the absurd donning of wigs and archaic titles like "Me Lord." The sheer absurdity of being turned away for wearing sleeveless attire while conducting a routine transaction at the civil court exemplifies the absurdity of our outdated systems.
Consider the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), where seniors are forced to jump through hoops just to prove they are alive. The convoluted process of obtaining a mere stamp as a receipt, amidst system failures and archaic practices, highlights the bureaucratic nightmare faced by citizens.
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| NIS receipt on an envelope! |
Moreover, the transition to digital payments has been marred by complexity and inefficiency, with institutions like the NCB and the tax office compounding the frustration. The elderly, already burdened by bureaucratic hurdles, are left to navigate a sea of paperwork and procedures that fail to accommodate their needs.
It's high time Jamaica wakes up to the realities of the 21st century. We cannot claim to be wanting to become a republic while clinging to colonial relics. The elderly, the backbone of our society, deserve better. We must overhaul our systems to ensure inclusivity, efficiency, and respect for all citizens. Failure to do so will only leave us further behind in the march of progress.
Contributor:
Lois Grant
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It will be easier to be served ice cream in hell than to get a decent service from government..,nothing will change as the gangs of Gordon house will never cede an inch of their garrison freedom...they and their families are the biggest beneficiary of a corrupt and incompetent government...thank you for a well written article
ReplyDeleteGood morning. Could you explain this following reference in the blog, "Moreover, the transition to digital payments has been marred by complexity and inefficiency, with institutions like the NCB and the tax office compounding the frustration." TAJ (tax office) has multiple payment options from which persons may choose, including digital options. We'll be happy to discuss further.
ReplyDeleteYou left out one....d long line dem.. .I saw one yesterday in Christiana ......meek and mild black jamaicans line up dutifully like dem a wait pon US visa
DeleteI hope my answer is not too long winded..
ReplyDeleteWe're treating Jamaica like it's as advanced as parts of the U.S., but many Jamaicans aren't ready for all these online services. We have lots of older people and many who can't read or write well. Plus, we're not used to doing things like filling out forms or doing business online. Even if some of us are educated, many of us don't know how to use the internet. Imagine a farmer from St. Catherine who doesn't know anything about online stuff. Suddenly, they're told they can only pay with cash. How are older folks and people with disabilities supposed to get to tax offices or other places they need to go every few months? Other countries must have better systems than this, right? How do they handle it without making life hard for older folks every few months?
Here are some suggestions some of which you might be doing but it's not getting the desired traction amongst the masses.
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1)Government-funded initiatives to provide digital literacy training specifically tailored for seniors and low-literacy individuals.
2)Develop user-friendly interfaces and applications that are accessible to people with varying levels of literacy and technological proficiency.
3)Ensure that traditional paper-based options remain available for essential services like utility bill payments and tax filings.
5)Encourage the adoption of inclusive design principles in the development of new technologies and online platforms.
6) Launch public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of digital literacy and the available resources for seniors and low-literacy individuals. This is crucial.
7) Advocate for policies and regulations that prioritise digital inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
8) A help desk at these institutions (Banks and tax offices) with friendly trained clerks who do not speak down to elderly people like they are stupid and hard to learn. Polite and patient officers who take the time to go through and help fill out these required information.
It takes time for people, especially seniors, to adapt to new technology. When I go to the tax office, seniors often ask me for help with online tasks They are afraid to ask the employees behind the desks. . They rely on younger people, but some
are getting scammed because they don't understand the internet. Even my educated mother struggles with it. Oh how I wish Jamaica’s customer service could reach to the level of the polite British system.