Dear Claudienne,

I live in the United States and I would like to know why it takes so long to obtain a certified birth certificate from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).

I applied for my mother’s birth certificate over a year ago and despite supplying all the information the RGD requested, I have not yet received it.

The cost for that document is astronomical, but there appears to be no sense of urgency the RGD.

For many important matters you are required to produce a birth certificate, but it is difficult to get it if you are not prepared to grease somebody’s palm.

Could you please find out for me why it is taking so long. I really would like to know what is causing the hold-up with this particular document.

OK

Dear OK

As your original letter to us did not give any details, we requested you to send us your mother’s name, her place of birth and her phone number. As soon as you sent the details, Tell Claudienne asked the RGD to investigate your complaint.

The RGD did an investigation and sent us the following e-mail:

“In regards to OK, kindly note that she is not the applicant. Our system was searched using the information that she provided. However, our system shows no record of an application. The applicant, OK’s mother, was contacted using the phone number she provided you with.

“The applicant advised us that she never made an application at the RGD and that her application was made by a third party unknown to the RGD. Notably, the cost for her application was significantly higher than the cost of our service.

“We are quite disappointed that OK would make such allegations that are completely false. Additionally, we provide several convenient ways for persons to make applications including at our 10 offices islandwide, via our website, by post or drop box — so there is no need to use the services of any third party. Additionally, the RGD has not authorised any person/agency to transact business/collect applications on our behalf. Nevertheless, we are in dialogue with the applicant to see how best we can assist her under the circumstances.”

Please ask your mother to keep in touch with the RGD officer who contacted her.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

I am 66 years old and retired. I applied for my NIS pension from last year July, but up to now I have not got it. I have been checking with the NIS head office but they keep telling me that “it is in the checking stage now,” whatever that means. Right now I have a prescription to fill. I have to pay for water and electricity and I have to buy food. I don’t know why it is taking so long for me to get the pension benefit.

I am asking for your help.

GL

Dear GL

We contacted the NIS and note that your cheque has now been mailed out to you.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 936-9436 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.