Dear Editor,
I am very heartened by Dr Chatterpaul Ramcharran’s announcement that the GNBS would be encouraging small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) compliance with the standard for good management practice – which I consider particularly important at this juncture. While the standard encompasses a number of issues regarding sound management practices, of significance is the resultant quality of customer service.
As consumers I am sure that we all have horror stories of poor service, particularly at our restaurants which would be in focus come CWC 2007. Even our more established ‘large’ businesses are culpable in this respect. Without going into all of the sordid details I wish to highlight examples of my most recent experiences:
> Poor personal appearance of staff
> Handling of food to be served to
customers with bare hands
> Disorganized / untidy surroundings
> Flies in food display cabinets
> Drinks served in glasses that are either
wet or water stained
What is the point of having spanking, well decorated buildings when the quality of the offering leaves much to be desired? There is also this new (to me disgusting!) trend of serving food and drinks in plastic bags! In an era where the concern for the environment is high should we not return to the good old paper bags and cups which are more environmentally friendly and make for better presentation? On this note I wish to commend the management of the new Jamrock Restaurant on the use of lovely grease proof paper bags to serve their equally delectable patties!
Based on my experience in encouraging clients to become compliant with the GNBS standard, I can say that this task is enormous and I would recommend that SMEs be given some incentives to comply. Perhaps, compliance should be made one of the criteria for becoming an ‘approved small business’ under the Small Business Act 2004. Notwithstand-ing, it is imperative that consumers be extremely vigilant in ensuring that they receive value for money and the respect they deserve. I look forward to the MINTIC Consumer Affairs Department playing its part in sensitizing consumers accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
J Joseph
