The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I write regarding the poor operations of The Bahamas Public Service Union. Where are the premiums and dues going? Why does one have to wait for eight months for a medical claim and more than three months for a death benefit?

It is very disheartening and inhumane that an organisation would accept hard working people’s monies, retired and elderly person’s monies for premium and dues, but when these very persons are sick or even dead, their families are unable to settle their debts. My mom in her 90s would look forward to a voucher for ham or turkey – for the past two years she was told – Your name is Not On The List. Disappointing for her, I purchased those the same day to ease her disappointment.

My mother gave me a pamphlet indicating the benefits of the BPSU plan. After her passing, I submitted bills for funeral costs – I was told that the death benefit does not cover funeral booklets. The membership should know this! There is no indication what will or will not be covered in this death benefit - just the amount.

My mother passed away the end of August 2023. I submitted paperwork to the BPSU the next week or so – I asked when the cheque would be ready and was told emphatically – there’s no time frame, but that won’t be ready right now. That I understood at the time. It has now been almost five (5) months. Mom’s previous medical claim from June 2023 has not been paid – the clinic is now calling about that bill.

I called today again – response: Oh, that’s not ready! I responded that I would call again next week and was told: No! it won’t be ready then either, but when it is ready, I would get a call. I told the lady that I would be calling every week until it is ready. In the midst of grieving for my mother, this is what I must deal with. I pray for the others in the same dilemma.

Mr BPSU President, Mr Kimsley Ferguson, I will be calling your medical plan office every week until my mother’s bills are satisfied. You have a list of your membership! When it was election time, I received a call asking for my mom and her support in the election; I had to sadly tell the gentleman calling she had passed on a few days ago. Your people need to call around just like that and find out how the membership feels about the service of this union. This is 2024 – Do Better For The Membership of The BPSU.

PORTIA SMITH-COERBELL

Nassau,

January 4, 2024.