Dear Claudienne

I worked with the Salvation Army basic school in Alman Town as a cook for twenty-two and a half years. In July 2008 I went on leave for two months.

I went overseas for my vacation and on my return on December 10, 2008 I was told that another worker had been employed to replace me as I had abandoned my job.

However, while I was overseas in October 2008, I called a worker and asked her to tell the Captain that I would return at the end of October. I explained that because of the effect of Hurricane Ike on Texas where my son lived and with whom I was staying, l could not return to Jamaica for the beginning of the school year in September 2008.

However, I did not return at the end of October. In November I spoke to the Captain who managed the basic school and told her I would be returning to work that month. She told me that another cook had replaced me.

When I returned to the island and realised that I had indeed been replaced, I went to the divisional head office of the Salvation Army on Orange Street regarding my compensation. My NIS and NHT was not paid over to the relevant government agencies even though they were taken from my pay.

They promised to make the payments but after one year the NIS and NHT payments have not been made. Whenever I call the office I am told that they are awaiting documents from the Alman Town basic school to be able to calculate the payments to be made to the NHT and NIS.

Could you please help me.

OB

Dear OB

We spoke with the Divisional office of the Salvation Army that has responsibility for Eastern Jamaica. The Major told Tell Claudienne that after reviewing your case it was decided that even though you had technically abandoned the job, they would pay you a small gratuity for your years of faithful service. Your NIS and NHT payments have also been calculated and the major said that the monies would be paid to the government shortly. We note that you have now received the gratuity.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

I bought a Nokia 5610 Claro cell phone on January 16 from Real Events, a dealer in Cross Roads. Three weeks after I purchased the phone the screen went blank. On February 11, I returned the phone to the dealer along with the accessories. Since then I have called the dealer several times but up to now I have not got back the phone. On May 26 the dealer called and told me that Claro had returned the phone to her without the accessories and the charger. She said that the phone no longer looked new. I told her that I would not accept it in that condition and that I should be given a new phone.

Could you please check on this matter for me.

CG.

Dear CG

Tell Claudienne contacted Claro and note that they have agreed to replace the phone. We note that you have received a new phone.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 511-2436 or write to: Tell Caludienne, c/o Sunday Finance Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@ jamaicaobserver.com