I was appalled to read an article in The Gleaner, in which it was stated that Jamaicans had to travel from the rural areas to Kingston to renew their passports.

This is a waste of taxpayers' money for any government still to be using this method to process passport applications for people living in the rural parts of Jamaica.

It would be much cheaper for the Government either to lease a building or build offices somewhere mid-island so that most of the people living in the rural parts of Jamaica could use this facility.

Finally, it would save money for everyone, that is the people, employers and the Government. For example, employers would not have to grant leave to employees for a day or two just to have a passport renewed and the Government would not have to employ as many people as it currently does at the passport office(s).

I am, etc.,

CARGILL KELLY

c465@erols.com

Manassas, Virginia