The no-manners syndrome seems to be a widespread affliction in Jamaica. This disease may well be as infectious as swine flu, with no disrespect intended to hogs who act like hogs.

I recently called a chamber of government attorneys who are central to the justice system. I sought information on the law on witness protection. The telephone operator passed on my call to someone who turned out to be a policeman, not an attorney. I called back, and was left holding for about ten minutes. I called for the third time, and the operator said she was having difficulty finding an attorney. Finally, I heard another voice on the line.

When I tried to find out with whom I was speaking this time, the person insisted I must reveal my name first. I said, "If the tax dollar pays you, why is your name a secret?" He continued refusing to give his name. After he reprimanded me for my voice tone, he hung up the phone on me.

I called back - now for the fourth time - and tried to find out from the operator the name of the person to whom she had transferred my call. She said she needed my name first. When I complied, she said she couldn't give the name of the person. However, she let slip that this person was the most senior attorney present in her office at the time.

Cause for hope

The operator finally transferred my call to an attorney whose response gave me cause for hope. He identified himself, listened to my concerns, and answered my legal question.

I have tried to reach the head of these chambers by email and phone for almost two weeks without success. I tried to leave a message with an administrative assistant who told me it made no sense to complain unless I could tell her the name of the attorney who had refused to disclose his name.

The no-manners syndrome costs public trust and goodwill. On the other hand, courtesy can save money by increasing public cooperation. In a time of tight budgets, those (particularly in public office) who are infected by the no-manners syndrome may need to be refocused, retrained, restrained, or removed.

I am, etc.,

YVONNE MCCALLA SOBERS

sobersy@yahoo.com