Squeaky Wheel

Once again it was time to get a new International Drivers License for our Europe trip this fall.  We went to the drivers license office, gave them all our documentation (passport photo, Bonaire license, and passports) and ask for a new license.  They instructed us to go to the OLB government office to pay for the item and then return with the receipt. 

We went to the OLB payment center and stood in line with 30 other Bonaire residents waiting for an opening.  The door on the OLB payment office has no outdoor handle.  A guard is stationed inside and only allows people in that are on his appointment list.  There is no way to get into the office without an appointment.  We left, discouraged but determined to get this task done in less than 3 months. We only needed 5 minutes to pay the cashier $16.75 each for our licenses.

We returned home to schedule an appointment online.  The first appointment available was July 4th, three months away....plus the American Independence Day and we usually party that day with the expats. I deemed this unacceptable. I sent an email off to the OLM Information center:

"It is ridiculous that I couldn't get an appointment to pay for and International Drivers license until July.  Today is March 3.  All I need is to give money to the cashier.  This should take 5 minutes.  I have to wait three months to pay $16.75.

You should be ashamed of your customer service and inability to provide good services to the residents of Bonaire. Please improve!  I would like an appointment in April."   

Six days later (Easter holiday was occuring during the six days) I received an email:

"Dear Sally,

We have scheduled an appointment for you on April 8 at 8:20 am.

Klant Contact Centrum "

We are now the proud owners of International Drivers Licenses. It took two weeks and a complaint email to the OLB to get action. My squeaky wheel skills are still intact.