Mr Editor, I'm deeply concerned by the state of affairs of our passports. Botswana passports need to be modernised and security features on them enhanced. I was deeply embarrassed the other time when I was pulled off the line in Paris at Charles de Guile airport just because my passport seemed counterfeit, as it was covered in a passport cover. Upon scrutinising my passport, the situation got worse as the security realised that it was handwritten.
I was made to wait for about 15 minutes as other people were boarding, as my passport seemed home-made. While waiting I signalled to the officer that people are boarding and I might miss the plane, and upon enquiring as to who I should direct my queries to should I miss the flight, he washed his hands clean and even mentioned a jail term, if I'm found to have a fake passport. This was all happening in the clear view of everybody. Being one of the few black people on that line I couldn't hide my absolute embarrassment and humiliation.
