After three weeks the doors of the Immigration Division offices in San Fernando were opened yesterday but only for the collection of passports. Some people were smiling while others left with disappointed frowns as they still could not advance their renewal applications or other business. People seeking to do other business transactions were in fact told they would have to try back at another time.
Among those who did not get through was Dominican national Zynab Octave, who made her second visit to the office with her five-year-old daughter, Harlyn, to apply for a student permit so her daughter could register for a primary school. Octave, who has been living and studying in this country for the past three years, said: “I am disappointed. We are just visiting but while we are visiting my daughter has to go to school.” Octave said she was told by officials to return today.
Another disappointed customer was Haripersad Mahabir, who said he received a phone call on Tuesday to come to the passport office yesterday to collect his passport. “They tell me come and pick up my passport when I come today they say it ready but it not here. They tell me to keep checking. Is two months and more I trying to get a new one.” Expressing relief and joy were sisters Taruna and Tanuja Mangroo, of Penal, who have been waiting almost two months to get their passports.
Taruna said: “We heard they were open so we came and got through.” She said they were supposed to have left for Miami to visit with relatives two weeks ago. “We had to pay US$350 to change back our tickets. I am very disappointed but I am glad now.” Whether they get a flight to Miami is another issue. “That’s the next thing. I hope we don’t lose all our money and ticket too,” Tanuja said.