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EMBASSY HUSTLING
ENTERPRISING MEN HAVE found an innovative way to 'cash in' on the strict rules of the United States Embassy.
Several persons have journeyed from distant parishes to the embassy located on Oxford Road, St Andrew, only to be turned back because their pictures are inappropriate. Others may have travelled with cellular phones and other gad-gets that are not allowed inside the building. These crafty entrepreneurs have found a way to profit from the frustration and desperation of these hopefuls and have set up appropriate 'businesses'.
Jerry and Connie, are among six photographers who operate a makeshift studio opposite the embassy. All recognised that there was a market for their services as the number of persons turned back because of unacceptable photographs was vast. Being the only photographers with instant photo printers, these two are a notch above their competitors who must pay them $200 to print a photograph.
Connie has been taking pictures for visa hopefuls for the last 15 years. He says he got into the business because he saw the need. "We know seh people come embassy and a go need picture because sometime dem refuse dem," he said. He told THE STAR that he once took polaroid pictures. These days however, things are different. He has embraced emerging technologies and now uses a digital camera and a photo printer, powered by a rechargeable battery. And don't worry about the busy background. They've found a way around that as well. A sheet of white cloth is used to create the plain background desired by the embassy.
The introduction of the printer has eliminated a once key partner in the business the rider. This individual was used after the men started using digital cameras to ride to the nearest studio to get the pictures printed. Since January however, the new printer has made business more efficient and has resulted in less complaints from customers. Each picture costs $350 and because of the strict nature of the regulations, and people's tendency to overlook rules, they are guaranteed a steady clientele. Jerry also told THE STAR that representatives from the embassy often refer people to them. Both men say this business existed long before them.
Because the embassy does not allow phones, electronic gadgets or anything that could be a potential weapon, another man has found a creative way to help persons who were unaware of this rule. 'Backie' offers what could best be described as a storage service. Instead of having to leave their phones or umbrellas by the road just to get into the embassy, persons can leave them in Backie's care. His fees range from $50 for an umbrella to $100 for a phone. Customers are given a slip with a number that corresponds to their item, which is stored in a bag.
He told THE STAR, "Yeah man, dem can jus ask for Backie, I store all things you can't take on the compound. The policy is honesty and trust." He has been in business since 2003.
All three believe they are offering an important service. "Imagine yu come from Westmoreland an jus because a phone, yu nuh get through," said Backie. The photographers say they save persons valuable time and prevent them from having to reschedule their appointments.
EMBASSY HUSTLING
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