Money Matters
on Blog From Beyond (Rwanda), 09/Oct/2009 16:10, 34 days ago
Ugh. What a totally frustrating day.Mostly revolving around the missing NGO funds, lost in transit somewhere between the UK and Africa.Spent most of today at Fina Bank trying to sort it out. Got confirmation of transfer from the UK but Fina Bank scoured their records and found absolutely no sign of it arriving. However, they eventually explained that all sterling transfers go through their correspondence bank: Commerce Bank in Frankfurt, Germany!So, if it left the UK and hasn't arrived, that's where it should be. But why it hasn't been transferred or at least returned to the UK is a complete mystery. They're going to try and contact them on Monday and find out where the money is. Meanwhile I contacted my customer care contact at Co-Op Bank who are the bank the funds were transferred from, and also my bank, and they have passed it to their Foreign Team who will try and trace it from their end. So, between Co-Op and Fina Bank, we should have an answer soon. It needs to be soon, I really want to get this sorted before I leave.Also had fun at MINIJUST. I wanted to get a final police clearance form. I think it's only valid for a month in the UK after issue, so need to get one now to smooth things over if I take a job in the UK needing police clearance. Complicated.But it's sooo yucky having to go through the process. Yesterday I did everything necessary - got passport photos, photocopies of my VISA, passport and green card and my receipt from Rwanda Revenue Authority. Dashed over to MINIJUST only to find they stop processing at 1pm. It was ten past. Aaargh!So went back today and shouldered my way through a tiny room of forty people, no queuing system, finally got everything stamped and stapled. Put it in the pile, go back and pick it up next week.Still, last time I ever have to do it.Also went over and did Lies' dreadlocks yesterday then we went for a meal with Amanda at New Cactus. Was lovely. Great food, loads of wine and great chin-wag. Lots of laughter.But my, what a storm! Thankfully Lies has a car - but serious torrential downpour and lightning that lit up the road like daylight. Impressive.Got back to find the house had flooded. Water all over the floor and sat down on a wet cushion this morning :o/Dried off now though.Spent the day at Fina Bank and MINIJUST getting the above done, then met up with Martine and helped her register a domain name for the Blind Association (http://www.rwandablind.com/- not up yet but watch this space). We ended at La Sierra with cream cake and African tea - needed a treat by then :opHome now. Absolutely pooped. All this banking malarkey is very frustrating. Finally closed my own account the other day. Kind of sad.Going to slurp coffee and try and wake myself up. Have a shower.Holy Jah Dovesare playing tonight atOne Love. It's Kassime's last gig and Lies will be there - maybe Martine and Ruairi and D. is coming so should be a wonderful night. Just need to keep my eyes open long enough.Disclaimer: all views written on this blog are my own and are not necessarily representative of VSO.