I HAD the unfortunate opportunity to have to apply for a visa to the United States of America (USA). Before, I had no intention of ever doing so. I have nothing against visiting the country, but I have always thought: why pay plane fare to vacation there and we have the best facilities here.

My mother who lives there had to do an operation and the doctor there told her she will need to have help for at least three weeks. The doctor sent down her medical records and the time of her surgery. My co-worker, during the same week, learnt that her mom had passed away in the USA, so, we applied for a visa at the same time and received an emergency appointment date for 10 o' clock.

When I got to the officer who was to conduct the interview, he had his head bowed. I greeted him twice and he did not respond, except to ask for my passport. He did not even look up to see if I was the same person photographed in the passport, before he denied my visa application.

Similar experience

My co-worker had a similar experience and was told eight years was not long enough separation from her mother to warrant giving her a visa to attend the funeral.

Jamaicans are being treated like second-class citizens in our country every day by the US Embassy. We are a cash cow for their economy and the least they can do is treat us with respect.

I am, etc.,

Andrene Gillard

andrenegillard@yahoo.com