THE widow of a Gulf Air pilot who died almost a year ago claims she is still waiting for money she is owed by the company.
Captain Rad Gammage suffered a heart attack and died at BDF Hospital on September 10 as a result of severe medical complications.
The Briton was 60 at the time of his death and had worked for the airline for more than 30 years.
However, his widow Roni told the GDN she had spent the past year pressuring Gulf Air to release money owed to her as her husband's beneficiary.
She is still waiting for her husband's salary from last September, his travel adjustment allowance, death in service insurance and indemnity.
"My husband worked for Gulf Air for 33 years," she said from her home in Cyprus.
"I do understand it can take time, but since his death not one person from Gulf Air has contacted me."
Mrs Gammage said Gulf Air had told her that according to Bahraini law monies owed must be sent to the Justice Ministry, which would then release the funds.
She claimed that because she lived in Cyprus, Gulf Air had advised her to appoint a lawyer to represent her at the ministry.
"My husband was a conscientious worker and never had a sick day in his life,"
she said.
"It's like my husband was a name and number and no-one cares.
"The first anniversary of my husband's death is coming up and I'm struggling."
Mrs Gammage said she came to Bahrain in January and appointed a lawyer to handle the case.
However, since then she has not heard from the lawyer and has been unable to contact him - claiming he does not answer or return her phone calls.
She further claimed that she tried contacting Gulf Air management - including chief executive officer Bjšrn NŠf - on several occasions, but was transferred from one department or person to another.
"I got someone to go to the lawyer and the lawyer told him that he couldn't clear the money from the Justice Ministry because there is no money," she said.
"But they (Gulf Air) say they have sent this money to the Justice Ministry.
"I tried NŠf, his personal assistant and human resources department to ask where the money is - how long do I have to wait?"
Mrs Gammage is now pleading with Gulf Air to send her a receipt or proof that the money had been deposited with the ministry, which her lawyer could then show to the Justice Ministry.
"Everyone's giving up on me," she said.
"You need someone powerful who would call up (the Justice Ministry) and find out what's going on, but they (Gulf Air) should help.
Mrs Gammage's lawyer was unavailable for comment and a Gulf Air spokesman claimed the matter was now out of its hands.
"Gulf Air has done everything on its part to resolve this matter and the issue is now with the Justice Ministry and the insurance company," said the spokesman.
"However, we are willing to assist in any way possible."
[email protected]