‘Seeing Is Believing’: PICA Chairman Likes Jamaica’s Characterization on Facebook, says it Could Increase Confidence in Immigration Processes

Joe Issa, chairman of Jamaica’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) was chuffed upon hearing of the positive Facebook blits, urging more of such testimonies by Caribbean people who have visited or lived here, stating it could develop greater confidence in Jamaica’s immigration processes.

“I like that kind of discussion, as it comes from the horse’s mouth. I think such testimonies will help to foster greater understanding among those who have not yet visited Jamaica, and develop more confidence in its immigration processes.

“I think it’s important for people to hear things like that from those who have had the first-hand experience, as it can engender belief even without seeing.

“Recently, we have had strained foreign relations between the islands steming from the treatment of non-nationals at ports of entry, particularly between Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. 

“More testimonies like these have the potential of bringing about a change in our relationships and enable an increase in Caribbean arrivals,” said the chairman of PICA, which processes a passport, visa and citizenship applications, as well as arriving passengers at all ports of entry.

The first of the social media testimonies was posted by a former student at the Mona campus of the UWI and popular blogger Cletus ‘CIS’Springer, which drew positive responses from many other believers, who had seen for themselves.

Among the many nice things, CIS said, “My stay at Mona cemented a loctite bond with Jamaica and Jamaicans that has only grown stronger with each visit. While there, I bore witness to the fierce loyalty of people to the country. But what really touched me was the fighting spirit of Jamaicans.”

And among the 20 comments, Glenz Niles said, “Visiting Jamaica certainly changed my narrow views of the country and people, as you shared. I look forward to my next visit!” 

Even Jamaicans commented. Here’s what Una May Gordon said: “Thanks for the expressed sentiments Cletus I. Springer. We love you too CIS. I always say if I had to run away from Jamaica (and really dont know what coulda, woulda cause dat) I would run to Saint Lucia.”

The idiom seeing is believing was first ublished by John Ckark in 1639. It means that only physical or concrete evidence is convincing. Since then the phrase has been widely used, from UFO documentary to a partnership for the prevention of blindness to tackle avoidable blindness.

According to Wikipedia, the phrase “is the essence of St. Thomas's claim to Jesus Christ, to which the latter responded that there were those who had not seen but believed. It leads to a sophistry that "seen evidence" can be easily and correctly interpreted, when in fact, interpretation may be difficult.”