The Editor, Sir:

Glenn Tucker's letter regard-ing nonsensical bureaucracy is a fact of life in Jamaica that extends also to private companies. My experience with the National Commercial Bank, Mandeville branch, is a case in point.

For many years I have maintained a current account with them yet when I was opening a new savings account I was told, I first had to get a Justice of the Peace to verify who I am. The fact that I was already an account holder mattered not one whit to them - it was their rule.

In September of this year I wrote asking they transfer funds from my savings to my chequing account and then to mail me a cheque for $9,000 by debiting my chequing account for the funds. In reply they advised that since I live in Canada I am to have my signature notarized and a photocopy of an identification piece be sent back to them along with the request. But I am simply transferring money from my savings to my chequing, I protested, and they had previously transferred money from my current to savings, without this added requirement. Furthermore, they already have my specimen signature on file, which they accept whenever I write a cheque. Why should I have to pay a lawyer to notarize my signature again? Didn't the JP already verify my identity? My protest mattered not for it is their rule.

I find it hard to believe the National Commercial Bank pays people to do this in all their branches in Jamaica. The irony is, the request was made two months ago and the money has still not yet arrived. Perhaps the bank should pay more attention to the more important service delivery rather than nonsensical protocol. It is so colonial.

I am, etc.,

JOHN M. dePASS

Canada.