Dear Claudienne

My grandparents who are over 70 years of age reside in the US. They have been trying to get copies of their birth certificates from the Registrar General’s Department but to no avail. They have been told by agencies both here and overseas that they need these new birth certificates to settle some of their personal affairs and they would wish to do so before they die.

My grandfather who had a deed poll done to change his name over 50 years ago tried to apply to the RGD online for a copy of the deed poll certificate and his birth certificate. After the payment was made, the RGD responded to say that they did not see a birth certificate with his name on it even though it had been explained to them that his current name resulted from a deed poll change.

He was encouraged to apply for late entry but this would prove challenging. He would not be able to find at least three persons who are ten years older than him to write recommendation letters. He could also not get a letter from the school he attended as that elementary school no longer exists.

In the case of my grandmother she has a copy of her birth certificae but her surname is not on it. When she came to Jamaica in early 2008 a clerk at the RGD head office told her that she also would have to apply for late entry. My mother tried to explain to the clerk that because of my grandmother’s age it would be challenging to meet the requirements for the application.

Her daughter pointed out to the clerk that she could produce other records showing her birth surname such as her marriage certificate with her maiden name on it and the birth certificates of her four children with her maiden name on them. The clerk said that she would still need the letters from her school and recommendations from persons ten years older than her. My grandmother and mother were not allowed to speak to senior members of staff at the head office at Twickenham Park, so they left with more questions than answers.

My grandparents are without copies of their birth certificates and are not sure where else to turn or what to do next.

I have written to the RGD but have received no response and calling their cell numbers has not helped. Their switchboard has been down since 2007.

Please assist me in trying to help my grandparents who have become quite fretful about the situation.

KL

Dear KL

By letter dated August 14, 2008, Tell Claudienne made the Minister of Health aware of your problem as his ministry is in charge of the Registrar General’s Department. We also wrote to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health and Environment.

The Investigation and Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Health in a letter to us dated December 19, 2008 stated that the complaint was referred to the RGD for investigation. The RGD informed the ministry that “these customers have already been satisfied and follow-ups are being done to ensure the completion of these complaints.”

However, in October 2009 Tell Claudienne informed the Investigation and Enforcement Department that your grandparents had still not had a response from the RGD.

The ministry again wrote to the RGD on October 28, 2009 and pointed out that your grandparents’ matter was still outstanding.

The ministry also phoned the RGD. We note that the RGD has now contacted your grandparents in Atlanta, USA, and that when they visit Jamaica next year they are to go to see a senior member of staff who will assist them to sort out their problems.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 511-2436 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