Two Babies Trampled In Rush At Jamaica Passport Office

Chaos broke out at the Passport Office at Constant Spring Road this morning as a crowd gathered at the organisation in their continued effort to process passports before the fee hike takes effect next Tuesday.

Reports are that the mad rush resulted in a stampede that left at least two children injured.

"Two babies were trampled this morning about 6:00 am as a large group of customers tried to enter through the gates of the institution," said Dayon Grey, an alleged eyewitness.

Police and members of the Jamaica Defence Force are now on location trying to maintain order.

The Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) on Sunday said that as of Tuesday, May 26, the cost of a regular adult passport will move from $4,500 to $6,500, while the passport for a minor will move from $2,700 to $4,000.

In addition, replacing lost passports for adults will cost $11,500 (up from $9,500) and $7,000 (up from $5,700) for minors.  

Yesterday a strong police detachment was at the office to help control the large crowd that had gathered at the gates of the institution.

People at the PICA office made it clear that they were trying to get their documents before the new fees came into effect.