It’s been a cooperative effort that brought the Mexican Consulate to Charles Town, including the work of, from left, Lorena Nathan, Amanda Ryder, Marines Cervantes and David Ramos. Thanks to this visit, Mexican citizens are able to receive passports and photo IDs without traveling to Washington, D.C.
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Even though she doesn’t speak English, Mary Cruz Valdez’s smile spoke volumes when she looked at her new passport, a document she was able to obtain thanks to the Mexican Consulate’s visit to Jefferson County.
Watching as her friend scanned the information contained on it, Linda Nathan also smiled and said, “I will be back here tomorrow getting my passport, because mine is expired.” Both women agreed this local option was quicker and less expensive than having to go to Washington, D.C., for this service.
Vice consul Marines Cervantes said the local visit by five consulate staffers is part of a new program that started in March.
“We call it a consulate on wheels, and we have personnel going to even more places. Our service is even bigger now,” she said.
Outreach work under this program is taking place in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland, Cervantes said. It’s a way for Mexican citizens to get a photo ID and passport without having to go to Washington, D.C., she said.
She said consulate officials had previously visited Charles Town about two years ago when they spent time at St. James Catholic Church. “But that was different because we only did it on weekends. Now we are out for the people on weekdays,” Cervantes said.
Although the morning was a little slow, everyone with an appointment showed up and officials estimate that they may see as many as 300 people during this visit.
Maria Perez, speaking through a friend, said she was pleased by this service.
“It is good, very good and also has been efficient,” said Perez, as she examined her new passport.
Consulate officials, who will be available locally through Saturday, are working out of the Charles Town BB&T Bank off U.S. 340, 29 Keyes Ferry Road. While some people have made appointments, walk-ins are also being accepted. Event hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
David Ramos, BB&T assistant vice president and regional multicultural markets officer, smiled as he provided a tour of the building’s second floor where men, women and children were receiving assistance. In addition to the government documents, visitors could also receive financial and banking information from associates, as well as get medical information and have their blood pressure checked by Walgreens staffers.
In one waiting room, children happily watched videos as older family members reviewed paperwork they had brought along with them.
“This isn’t new to us because in all of our markets – Atlanta, Florida, Texas and even Washington, D.C. – we have a relationship with the consulate, as well as other organizations in the community. And we try to help as many organizations as possible that are helping the community, because also like to get involved,” Ramos said…
