Shouldn't the small-claims court be the last resort for the settlement of claims of relatively small amounts (J$50,000 and under)?

In late December 2008, I contacted a company to do repairs to my washing machine. The technician initially explained that he was experiencing difficulty finding the required parts in Jamaica and stated that he had sourced the parts overseas and it would take a week or more to arrive in the island, depending on the holiday season. He requested and received the full amount, he had estimated, as being required for the parts. He had pre-viously repaired my refrigerator so he had gained my trust.

After several telephone calls regarding repairing the machine, I was told that the overseas supplier had not accessed the parts and that the overseas supplier had not refunded the money and so he, in turn, could not refund the amount to me.

After several frustrating calls to get either the machine repaired or the money refunded, I was told to stop calling his cell and 'office' numbers. The telephone number and address given for the 'office' appears to be that of a private residence.

I contacted a police officer regarding the matter and was told to take the technician to the small-claims court. I contacted the Consumer Affairs Commission and was told the same thing. Maybe I am not a consumer in this instance.

Is there no other way, other than small-claims court, to effectively settle such matter?

I am, etc.,

E. BONNER

etbonner2001@yahoo.com

Morris Meadows, St Catherine