Within days of the publication of my letter of December 15, 2008, complaining about a delay in the delivery of a parcel through the postal service to my mother in New York, I received a note signed "for the postmaster general" advising that a 'tracer' had been sent to the "Office of Destination" and that as soon as a reply was received, I would be informed.

I also received a telephone call from Postmaster General Michael Gentles assuring me, among other things, that the matter was receiving attention. In addition, on January 7, a letter from a representative of the Post And Telecommunications Department was published in The Gleaner apologising for the "situation" and stating that the parcel had been "promptly dispatched overseas", the United States Postal Service had been asked to ascertain its 'status' and they would 'alert' me as soon as an 'update' was furnished.

Now, over seven months since the parcel was posted, it has still not been delivered. In spite of the above promises, other letters to the postmaster general and another promise by telephone to make a full written response to my enquiries, I have heard nothing further from the postal authorities and I have no idea what has become of the parcel.

Not seeking compensation

I have informed the postmaster general that I am not seeking compensation and that I wished the parcel to be delivered or to be given a full report as to what has happened to it. I pointed out that what is paramount is not my individual interest but the rights of customers of the postal service generally and the quality of service to which they are entitled.

The silence of the postal authorities raises, among other things, the questions of transparency, accountability, the safety of parcels and other articles posted to overseas destinations and their general conduct, is unacceptable. They might be completely without blame for what has happened to the parcel, but by remaining silent, an unfavourable impression is created, which might even lead to suspicion of a cover-up.

If there is a problem with articles mailed to overseas destinations, the public should be told. If there is none, I am entitled to an explanation as to what has happened to the parcel posted by me.

I am, etc,

BERESFORD HAY

PO Box 1191

Kingston 8