IN a recent letter, Rev. Gideon Cecil complained bitterly of how long it takes an applicant to get birth, death and marriage certificates from the Registrar General Office. I therefore wish to comment on what is happening in that particular department.
Like Rev. Cecil, thousands of other Guyanese have to put up with the same situation. My opinion is that the current Registrar General should be replaced. It appears that she has no control of what is happening in her department. There are capable persons in that department who can handle that job effectively, but they are not given the opportunity.

Let me make a few points that will not surprise anyone. (1) The Current Registrar retired from her previous employment. (2) She received a gratuity and pension. (3) She is in collection of NIS pension. (4) With regards to the above there is no incentive on motivation to perform by the staff in that department. They do not see that they will be promoted wherever there is a vacancy. For they see that someone from outside can or will be appointed. This to my mind is why we have to endure the present situation with regards to documents from the office of the Registrar General.
Sir, what boggles the mind is how someone who has retired and is receiving retirement benefits can still be employed by the state as head of a department. This letter is not to pronounce on the mental and physical abilities of our aged citizens. They are quite capable. I will always maintain the greatest respect for them. However what I am concerned about is the impact their presence has on the work environment.
If there is to be efficiency in that department, then it is time the Ministry of Home Affairs let her go and give that position to someone who is still within the limits of employment age.
In a country where jobs are limited, it is not the right thing to employ someone who has given good service and now retired. They should be at home enjoying themselves and their benefits. To employ them in senior positions not only hinders progress. It is also discriminatory.