DRESS STRESS

by Donna Sealy

SEVERAL PEOPLE trying to conduct business at the Registration Department yesterday were turned away.

And it had nothing to do with a system failure at the spanking new Barbados Supreme Court Complex at Whitepark Road, St Michael but rather how the people were dressed.

The people, mostly women, were not allowed past the security scanners and into the department to apply for or collect birth, marriage and death certificates, decree absolutes or transact other business.

"What am I supposed to do," queried one woman after being told politely by the security guard she would not be allowed to proceed because she was wearing a sleeveless shirt.

The visibly upset woman told the DAILY NATION she wanted to collect a document for someone who is travelling today and returning home to change was not an option.

She eventually asked another person to collect it for her, which was done.

Another woman, who accompanied her daughter to the department to register her grandson's birth, was hopping mad.

"This is unfair. This is bare foolishness," she said as she waited outside in the heat. Wearing a pair of shorts, a sleeveless shirt and a pair of slippers, she said she was not aware of a dress code and suggested that authorities notify the public accordingly.

Other people, who were refused entry because of footwear, asked what provisions were made for diabetics or those who had other health-related issues and could not wear another type of shoe.

Asked why there was no sign related to dress outside the department, an official said, "because they don't want the building defaced."

There is however, a typed notice dated 2008-05-02, taped to a cabinet just inside of the entrance which is not prominently displayed.

It reads in part: "All persons conducting business in the courts, the precincts of the courts or within the various sections of this Department should be dressed appropriately."

The restricted wear includes blouses and dresses with straps, "back out or belly out" garments, mini skirts, shorts, slippers and curlers.

Men cannot wear earrings or body rings or shorts and all cell phones must be turned off.

Efforts to reach the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Marva Clarke were unsuccessful and a call to Deputy Registrar Laurie Ann Smith-Bovell was not returned.

An official said that rules related to dress were always in place and noted that a sign would soon be erected in a place where it would be seen by everyone conducting business.

The dress code is not new. It was posted on a security guard hut and on the door of the Registration Department at the former location at Coleridge Street.

* donnasealy@nationnew.com