‘Colonially-worded’ form at licensing office leaves some persons in shock

By Admin. Updated 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

An application form at the licensing office described as being “colonially-worded” has left some persons in shock.

The form used to apply for an International Driver’s Permit under the International Convention on Motor Traffic of April 1926 has two areas where the wording used is considered out of touch with modern times, according to one recent user of the form.

The form begins with the wording, “Sir, I beg for an International Permit to drive a motor vehicle in…” and it provides a space for the user of the form to put the country in which they wish to drive.

The more controversial of the two lines, however, is the closure of the form which says, “I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant.”

Such word choices from 1926 do not augur well with persons in 2023, especially given the background of colonialism, servitude, and subjugation of people of African and Amerindian descent, another individual told One News SVG today.

The two individuals who wish to stay anonymous are calling for deep consideration to be given to changing the wording of the International Driver’s Permit application form.