No new birth certificates for adults

THE EDITOR: I went to the Ministry of Legal Affairs on March 3, 2004 to apply for my computerised birth certificate. After filling out the forms I had to get it checked by the clerk. He told me I have to pay $25 to the cashier. I asked him why. He said the free Birth Certificate is now only for children. I drew his attention to the advertisement they have inside which says in 2004 the rest of the population born before 1984, will be entitled to free birth certificates.

Anyhow, I paid the $25 to the cashier because I was coming all the way from Guayaguayare. On March 19 I went to collect my birth certificate, but to my surprise I did not receive a computerised birth certificate but an ordinary one just as I had before. I asked the young man, “what are you giving me. I paid for a computerised birth certificate.” This young man had an attitude problem and was very rude. He told me that they are not ready with adult computerised birth certificates. I asked him, Why didn’t you inform me when I applied for it? He then tells me I was supposed to find out from him. I also asked what am I supposed to do with this one when the computerised one comes out. He said throw it away.

I wasted $25 for nothing because my old birth certificate is just as this one you all are calling new. Is this a money making thing? He told me that I was being difficult and walked away. Is this the way our people should be treated by these very young inexperienced youths who do not know how to talk to people in our Government buildings? I would like the people of Trinidad and Tobago to be aware when going to apply for an adult birth certificate because they are giving you one just as the previous one and charging $25. I do hope the Minister of Legal Affairs looks into it and refunds citizens their money.

P BABOOLAL
Guayaguayare