EDITOR, The Tribune.

I had filed an appeal at NIB in September 2021. It would appear that for some reason the appeal was “sat on” for about two years. I protested and the door suddenly and finally opened. In late January 2024, I was finally able to stand before the Board of Appeals; a very distinguished, warm and level-headed panel of nine persons. I had an earlier invite to appear in October 2023. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend at the time and had to reschedule. 

The appeal process went really well, and I was very proud of that panel. Their decision, in my view, was a wise, fair and very courageous one as they had thoroughly weighed all the evidence brought before them. After reading their decision in February, I also realised that “the decision was a unanimous one” and my heart was greatly warmed. Not only because I had won the appeal; but also because of the satisfactory sense of knowing that justice can still be found in this country for those who truly seek it and are ready and willing to fight to ensure that it happens. This was very comforting to me and that idea alone caused a smile to appear on my face. My initial thought was: “Thank God, that the future of our country still appears to be in very good hands!”

I have been waiting to receive my benefit payment since the ruling, but it seems that Mr Shane Albury is having “a really tough time organising and getting all of his ducks lined up in a single row”. He said something one week about awaiting word from “his colleagues in Claims”. Then the week he promised that payment should have come, turned out to be nothing short of an empty bag. Something was said about a timeline not being able to be honoured! Wow! What a black eye! I registered this claim in September 2021, it is now April 2024. Mr Albury, the way you kept juggling dates and times around was very awkward to me. The thing is, that I do not follow directions down a rabbit hole” all that well. Remember, snakes can be found at that level too. That is why I like and appreciate the glare of “the sunlight” because --it is the “best disinfectant” known to mankind.

Mr Albury, if I were your sibling, how long would I have had to wait to get straight? If I were closely related to your colleagues in Claims, those same ones that you said you are waiting to hear from, do you think they would have hollered back by now? No, no, please, you don’t have to answer that; it is just a rhetorical question that has crept its way across my open mind. But I trust that between your “willingness to make it happen,” the Claims Department, and the challenges that you spoke of, things can be swiftly ironed out now.

I also understand that Mrs Sheryl Charlow has moved off the scene (perhaps into retirement). That is bitter-sweet, please send her my warmest regards. She was a manager whose words had substance and will be sorely missed! 

THE LONG WAIT

Nassau,

April 10, 2024.