To give or not to give

I was told my file in the governor’s office was frozen due to the absence of computers in the competent service. I decided to go find out.

Where did the computers go?

I was received by a gentleman who looked for my file and showed me the draft handwritten decree. He told me that in the absence of computers in that service, I have two options: either I give them the money to type and print the decree or I do it myself. I didn’t want to get into the dynamics of giving money because someone had hinted me that you may have to give up to 5.000frs. So I took the latter option, since I could type and print it myself in under an hour. It was however interesting to note that there were computers and printers in the office next door. 

The gentleman gave me the draft decree and explained to me in detail the changes that I had to include to make it look exactly like the sample he showed me. He asked where I work and I told him. I asked for his phone number when I was leaving but he didn’t oblige, he rather told me his name.

As I was driving out of the premises, I got a phonecall from the gentleman, he said I should come back to his office. I did and he told me that he is going to ‘help’ me type and print the decree. He then explained to me the duration of the procedure and told me to check again in about a months’ time. He told me that he has processed some files for some of my colleagues serving  abroad.

I wonder if he is waiting for a tip. To give or not to give is my question. Maybe I will, as gratitude for work done, NOT as an incentive for him to do what he is paid to do…

Moral of the story: It is possible to avoid petty corruption.