By Kaviraj Sohur
1 November 2007
Port Louis — The author was impressed by the quality service he had from passport officers at the Stirling House when he went there to have his son's passport renewed, which shows that red tape may not be so common in public service.
Not long ago, Tony Blair, one of Britain's most popular prime ministers, chose to step down so that Gordon Brown could succeed him; he also said farewell to British politics altogether. More used to jets and helicopters, Mr Tony & Mrs Cherie Blair were temporarily stranded at Darlington Station just hours after leaving Downing Street, writes Paul Harris in Daily Mail of 28th June 2007. The former prime minister reminded his wife, "Sorry, Cherie, you must carry your own bags now."
The journalist further comments how times change when you're no longer running the country. There's no one to meet you, the trains don't arrive on time and the whole schedule looks like going to pot. Why, even the wife is forced to haul her own luggage around. A painful episode, as it is in the life of someone who has done so much for his country and people, this should bring back to earth those who attach too much importance to what they are in terms of the post they are holding in the public or private sector.
Who are you? No matter where you are - in politics, administration or engaged in any human activity, do you associate yourself with your job? Is that your real identity in life? Never forget where you are today, somebody else was there and afterwards another person will take your place. 'Life's but a walking shadow', says Shakespeare.
Cower and cringe in front of the desk
So, why should you frighten and make others less fortunate than you cower and cringe in front of your desk before you do anything for them. Why should you scare others outside your office saying, "Do you know where I work?" Only someone who is crazy, conceited or hollow can say that. Behind your desk, you are simply to help and facilitate others who are in need of you. Far from impressing those who are junior to you or less lucky, you have been appointed to serve them: thanks to them, you are there.
But we must never forget there are some persons who are doing their jobs selflessly and to the great satisfaction of the public in the name of customer service. Here is an example that deserves special mention. I was recently at the Passport Office, Stirling House, Port-Louis with relevant documents for the renewal of my son Shivraj's passport. He was to accompany the head of the Neurology Department, Harvard Medical School, as delegate to a conference at the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. Without his renewed passport, he could not apply for a visa. The officers at the Overseas Section of the passport office, Messrs Jugursingh , Domah and Babajee went out of their way to get it done in a matter of days. It was processed so fast that, when Mr Jugursingh told me to collect his passport on a Saturday before noon, I first thought he was joking (Saturday not being a working day in most offices). In fact, Mr Jugursingh was waiting at his desk with the passport. With grateful thanks, I took leave of him and rushed to send the document through DHL. Shivraj received it in time to complete all formalities before his departure.
Who says that red tape is common in the public service? It is hoped that this outstanding example at the Overseas Mission Office of the passport office is followed everywhere. Whoever you are - prime minister, minister or CEO of an organization or working anywhere, always remember you will not be there eternally. "Only the actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in their dust", writes James Shirley. All else is just sham leading to shame. Take this unique opportunity that life offers. This life is indeed a celebration and yet it is gradually ebbing away. Nothing is permanent.
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