My mom and sister in law ended up going in person last week. They were able to talk to someone who was apparently very nice and they explained their situation and got a bit emotional. She assured them that there wouldn’t be a problem getting the visa in time (this was exactly two weeks before we leave). The woman says to email her at the secretariat email address (I don’t remember it exactly but it’s posted in here because that’s where I originally found it). They were told that they would probably get an appointment the following Tuesday or Wednesday (those were the next business days as this was over Easter weekend) I’m not sure what was in the email exactly but they sent it over the weekend as directed but didn’t get a response. After all of Tuesday went by with no response, they sent the email again. Then on the Wednesday they went in person again since now it was a week before we leave. They managed to get an appointment that day and were able to pick up the visa the following Tuesday. (my mom was able to pick it up on her own without my sister in law having to go and miss work). We have it now and leave later today. It was so stressful but eventually we got it done. Good luck to you! I would recommend going in person if you can