Why is the system biased against Jamaicans?
THE EDITOR, Madam:
IRECENTLY visited New York and had certain experiences that raise questions about the systems in place for Jamaicans who are travelling during the pandemic.
In preparation for my return to Jamaica, I attempted to complete the Ministry of Health and Wellness’Travel Authorisation Form (Re-entry Permit). The form is extremely long, requiring a great deal of reading and even after several attempts, the system would not permit me to submit the completed, signed form.
I sought advice from persons who had recently travelled to Jamaica and was told that once I had ‘signed’ it, the document would be in the system. I admit that I was concerned, but I proceeded to the airport the following morning, as I had no other option.
Suffice it to say, in spite of the polite service I received, I could not travel as scheduled, as the form I thought was submitted was nowhere to be located.
Following instructions from the agent, I proceeded downstairs to rebook a return flight to Jamaica. Her instructions, to my shock, included telling a lie on the online form. I was told to say that I was not a Jamaican citizen! Jamaicans have to wait longer than nonJamaicans to get a response. In my case, needing to return home so as to avoid a string of inconvenient consequences, including possibly having to redo my COVID test, I complied and affixed my signature to a government form on which I had lied!
THREE QUESTIONS
So, I have three questions for the prime minister and the minister of health and wellness:
1. Why is the system to apply for entry to Jamaica biased against Jamaicans?
2. Why not simplify the Travel Authorisation Form, omitting repetitive questions? I n fact, is the form even necessary if a passenger has a negative COVID19 test result?
3. Has the Government taken into account the cost to airlines and the inconvenience to travellers caused by prolonged glitches in the online system?
I know of six other persons booked on my flight who had to rebook because of problems they encountered with the online authorisation form.
CONCERNED CITIZEN