The Editor, Sir:

I applied to the Registrar General for three copies of my birth certificate on April 8, 2008 from the office in the Kingston Mall, and paid for the seven-day service on April 11, 2008. I need this certificate very urgently to renew my passport so that I can get a visa to visit my old and very ill parents in Canada.

Since then, I have sent enquiries by email on April 24, and again on May 5, 2008. There is absolutely no response. I am unable to contact the office (the one to which I applied and paid) in Kingston Mall on the telephone, and the fax number indicated on the emailed acknowledgement from when I applied on April 8, is not a fax number at all but a cellular number (808-0172). When I call that number I get an "out of range" message.

So, the only thing left to do is to brace myself and go down there prepared to spend a day of horror, I suppose, if I wish to get my 'seven day' birth certificate. And could I hope to get a refund of the money I paid for this 'express' service? Not likely.

'Jamaica No Problem'. What a disgrace and a shame.

I am, etc,

LANA DUPERROUZEL

33 Waterloo Mews

Kingston 10