Licensing staff lacks basic training

THE EDITOR: “Charity begins at home” — this is a saying with which we are all familiar. A recent visit to the Licensing Office at Arima prompted me to pen this letter. I thank you for publishing this. What goes on in this department is nothing short of nauseating and disgusting. It happens on a daily basis, much to the distress and disappointment of persons who transact business there.

I spent a total of four hours to renew my driving permit — an ordeal in itself. The space in which people are herded like cattle is approx 12” x 48,” the seating is inadequate and persons are forced to stand in this crowded room sometimes spilling outside into the yard regardless of weather conditions. The behaviour and attitude of some members of staff leave much to be desired. One has to shout through a small hole and very often you are shouted at by  the staff from behind the one-way glass partition.

The workers don’t seem to enjoy performing their duties. However, lunch time seems to be the highlight of their day when they saunter out, loitering and chatting, oblivious to the waiting public. Clearly the staff is inadequate and some untrained. Definitely interpersonal skills are lacking as some of the staff seem to be unaware of how they must deal with the public. Our Prime Minister has assisted neighbouring countries and for this we are happy. But what about us in this country — suffering in every aspect of life from day to day? What is the Licensing Authority doing with our hard-earned money?

SANDRA JOSEPH
Red Hill
D’Abadie