Dear Editor,
Monday, January 26, 2015 was one of the most dismaying mornings for me following a brief phone call to the Vector Control unit within the Ministry of Health. As a concerned citizen, I called to inquire about the protocol of getting one’s community fogged. A very kind young woman (based on the tone of her voice) told me that it was raining and the unit was not currently fogging. I then made mention of 2005, which was the last time my area, Enmore North, was fogged and never again after that. Following that, I was advised to use mosquito sprays. I asked if it would be necessary to make another request when the dry season starts and was told it was not, because they would come to Enmore.
Somehow, I found no merit in that answer and asked if it was guaranteed. She then told me the Operational Manager was not in the office and when he got back, she would find out from him. I asked to leave my contact information so I could be informed about his response, but was told it was not necessary. When I asked who I was speaking with, the young woman said that was not necessary and asked why I needed her name. My response was that it was in case I decided to make a follow-up phone call. She held out, however, and her reply was the same although now in a disturbed tone. When I asked her again, she repeated it was not necessary and then the phone went completely dead. Some seconds later, on the third attempt, she answered and I asked if she cut off my call, and in a more unpleasant tone, she accused me of doing so. Subsequently, she hung up on me a second time after I referred to her lack of professionalism.
Now my little tragedy cannot be compared to a major incident; I am only highlighting the manner in which public servants deal with the public. This is common throughout all the government agencies which the average citizen has to deal with. Acting professionally in the execution of one’s duties and responsibilities as a public servant is not rocket science. It is simple; if someone does not like serving people, they should not take the job. I do not blame the government here, but the staff of these agencies, especially those in customer service who simply need manners. More importantly, I have no idea when or if my community will ever be fogged again.
Yours faithfully,
Leanna Kalicharan
