After much deliberation I am now convinced that much of the crime in Jamaica could be avoided if customer service were improved by the Government and local businesses.

As Jamaicans, we are a rather frustrated nation and some of our worst fears stem from a visit to the local tax office, Office of the Registrar, Passport Office or other offices that deal with national security, transportation etc.

Incapable authorities

Our authorities seem incapable of implementing simple procedures to alleviate stressful visits to government offices. For example, why should an applicant, for say a driver's license, be forced to enter more than one line at a local tax office? The reality is that such an applicant might have to enter three or four lines. This is unacceptable in other countries, so why is it that we go to such lengths to frustrate our people? I truly believe that such stressors are real contributors to why our society is so violent.

The human factor also comes into play, as the employees who deliver these services are also inefficient and often spiteful. They do not, for whatever reason, realise that they could make the customers' experience less burdensome by simply doing their job.

I am, etc.,

CONCERNED CITIZEN

xtparker@yahoo.com