So many good things happen in our lives that we accept and go merrily on our way. I must write about a recent happy experience I had with the Ministry of Legal Affairs,(MLA) situated at the Huggins Building on South Quay.
I visited the MLA in early March for information with respect to a birth certificate. From the moment I set foot in the building, I was met by smiling, security personnel. They answered my greeting, helped me fix my large opened handbag, (containing my documents) on the screening table (or whatever that equipment is named) and pointed me to an information desk.
The lady there took me to an annex to the building, where I was seated with other visitors. About 20 minutes later, I was ushered to another area where there were three polite attendants. I was interviewed by a female officer on the third floor, whose first name begins with an M; I felt very comfortable with M who walked me (as I can no longer stride) to the reception area and even offered to hold my large handbag. She arranged for me to collect the computer generated certificate in early April.
I visited the MLA a few days later to collect application forms for two other certificates. I was again greeted by smiling, polite and helpful personnel. I accomplished what I went for in less than 15 minutes.
I hope that the lady wearing a yellow outfit and glasses who spoke to me at the front of the building, reads this, as I wish to thank her. She, too, was waiting on her lift and offered to phone my son as he thought that my errand would take an hour or so. Before I could ask her name she ran off to a waiting car; my son said that she later called him to ascertain whether or not someone came for me. Are we not a loving caring people?
When I returned, I went through the quick drill; everyone, even the applicants were friendly; there were many young ones with parents. Everyone in a good mood. Visitors were comfortable chatting with each other. I believe that the general staff behaviour permeates the air and, like magic all who entered that Ministry developed a good attitude: Love for their fellowman. It was a pleasure sitting there, watching workers passing by, bristling with love.
My son commented that that Ministry was organised and all staff seemed competent, knowledgeable and their communication skills (from captain to cook) were excellent.Paolo Kernahan, another "nephew", wrote an article in the Guardian on Saturday March 1, 2014 captioned The death of decency, telling of his degrading experiences in another government office. We often hear that life has many ups and downs or life is a merry-go-round. I would ask him to visit the MLA and experience an ambience of "ups".
I, too, have faced many situations like Paolo's in my life, but I believe there is a reason for everything and we may find that because of the "downs" we encounter the "ups". Because of his "downs" article, I have now written the "ups".
Pearl-e Phillips,
Maraval