Monique N. Powell, Gleaner Online WriterJamaica, in recent years, has begun to embrace the concept of e-Government.
This is evidenced by the growing number of government agencies that have begun to implement facilities that allow members of the public to conduct business via the Internet.
Put simply, e-Government refers to the use of computer-aided technology, particularly the Internet, to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of government agencies and the services they provide.
Common uses include dissemination of information, online tax -payment portals, and the provision of direct lines of contact between the public and government representatives.
Increased efficiencySuch websites can be very helpful in reducing the length of time members of the public spend waiting in line, since those with Internet access will be able to carry out certain tasks from their homes or offices.
The long lines often seen at government offices indicate, however, that not enough persons are aware of or make use of the less time-consuming options that have been made available to them.
The following Government agency websites possess very practical and useful features:
Registrar General's Department,/b>The RGD website (www.rgd.gov.jm) facilitates applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates. Information on the website also indicates that persons have the option of making payments online using specified local and overseas credit cards.
National Housing TrustThe NHT (www.nht.gov.jm) also provides online services by making it possible for persons to apply for their contribution refunds via the website.
All applicants will receive a reference number that can be used to track the status of applications.
Inland Revenue DepartmentThrough the Tax Administration's Payment Portal (www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm), persons may make payments for traffic tickets, property taxes, consumption taxes and some other licences/fees.
The process involves only a few steps and payments can be made using MasterCard, Visa or KeyCard.
Not perfect, but usefulWhile some of these websites still have a few kinks to be ironed out, using them could save you quite a bit of hassle.
The next time you think of leaving home to spend hours waiting in line at a Government office, first call to find out if the office has facilities in place to allow you to carry out your tasks online.
If they do, and you have access to the Internet, then by all means spare yourself the trouble. The time you could save will be well worth that phone call.
monique.powell@gleanerjm.com
