Dear Editor,
Since the Consulate in New York started issuance of passports and birth certificates, the office has been overwhelmed with applicants since August. In the recent past, from last August, passports processing used to take up to two months for renewal after receipt at the Consulate – done through mail in diplomatic pouch. Now, there is an improvement in service.
Processing is done on line within a day and the passport is printed in Guyana and then sent up to NY in the pouch for mailing or distribution or mailed directly to the applicant within a couple weeks. Renewal of passports require biometrics done at the consulate office; applicants have to come in through an appointment process. It is noted that those, of all ages, who have not renewed passports for decades have been seeking services. Virtually any kind of service is attended to in NY or at any of Guyana’s Consulate’s in USA. For example, the Consulate notarizes various forms of Affidavits, ‘depoll’, name correction, identity affidavits, etc.
The delivery of service and professionalism of the Ambassador (Michael Brotherson) at the mission and the staff have significantly contributed to the positive image of the consulate in the greater NY area. It should be noted that before Amb Brotherson, the Consulate was run below par, offering what many said was low tier service. He really has uplifted service, elevating the image and standing as well as professionalism of the consulate. The Ambassador is commended by community leaders for fostering stronger connections within the Guyanese and Caribbean diaspora in greater New York.
Passport renewal applicants have to make appointment on line. Demand has been very high and appointment date can take longer than two weeks. But the Consulate continues to address emergency services for those who need to travel urgently. Those seeking any kind of services at the NY Consulate say the staff, in spite of rising demand, has responded with efficiency and efficacy in delivering services. Waiting time has been cut down tremendously in recent months.
Community leaders have expressed deep appreciation to Ambassador Michael Brotherson and staff for expanding services especially in processing passport and birth certificates requests. They note the recent elevation in Guyana’s consular services. They thank Amb Brotherson and consulate and staff for warmth reception, dedication to their work, and excellent services. The Ambassador said the consulate responds to feedback from those seeking services and from community leaders and reporters to continuously provide needed as well as on improving services. He said one can count on the consulate to respond to the needs of the community, pointing out that “we are here to serve”.
Brotherson applauded community leaders for their services to the diaspora including organising charitable events and celebrating various festivals and the national days. Guyana Consulate recently celebrated Republic Day at several programs at which the public was invited. Various religious festivals (Hindu, Muslim, and Christian) were also organised at which the Ambassador and or his representatives were guests. The Ambassador will be a guest at the annual Phagwah Parade on March 29 in Little Guyana.
At the republic Day celebration, Brotherson thanked organizers and patrons for their dependable support and various forms of assistance, volunteering time and expertise in organising the program, entertainment, catering, etc. to make Guyanese feel proud of their country and of promoting Guyana. for his dependable assistance with logistics and event support. Several gave time and talent to make the events a success. He expressed gratitude to everyone for their steadfast commitment to Guyana. He said: “The government and the Guyana government are grateful that community leaders and volunteers have helped to strengthen the Guyanese presence and the image of Guyana in NY and around the United States”. He also thanked members of the media for reporting on events so that Guyanese at home and in the diaspora get to know about the activities and programs of the Consulate and of the community in America.
Brotherson also thanked the consulate’s staff for their hard work. “The success of the Consulate is the work of a committed staff who consistently go above and beyond duty. Our partners and friends in the community collaborate with us without seeking rewards. They provide space and refreshments to us when we do outreaches. The community leaders care about Guyana and they come forward to assist with our programmes and various activities especially when we organize national celebrations and take services to communities. Their warmth reception and hospitality define our culture that we are accustomed to in Guyana”.
Brotherson also expressed appreciation for the many supporters who have helped to elevate Guyana’s profile. He urged Guyanese to be patient as his staff seeks to cut down on waiting time on appointments for passport renewals. Demand is beyond expectations as Guyanese seek to renew their link with the motherland.