Proactive Stance Taken To Ensure Integrity Of BVI’s Post Offices, Premier Says

TORTOLA — Premier Dr. Orlando Smith believes there are several challenges facing the Post today.

His comments come as more than 50 regional and international postal administrators have gathered here to discuss the future of postal services at the 18th Caribbean Postal Union conference.

Addressing the opening of the conference Premier Smith said “the issues we are faced with are varied and critical, but we should ensure that the network of administration throughout the region and globally, not only exists into the foreseeable future, but is efficient and able to compete with other services that have been able to capitalize on the more profitable sectors of postal activities”.

Premier Smith said despite the fact that there are advanced telecommunications systems in the more advanced territories and nations of the world, post has remained relevant.

“However in this environment we must retool ourselves, so that not only will the vulnerable in our society be serviced, but that through the technological advances that are available to us, we can provide the type of logistical services that only a network as expansive and interconnected as the global postal network; headed by the Universal Postal Union can provide”, he added.

He said several challenges face the Post today.

“One of these challenges is the harnessing of electronic systems to facilitate express mail. In the BVI we are currently in the position to take advantage of the electronic tracking software in the form of IPS and PRIME a customer service software package that allows us to maintain a high level of service to our customers by tracking express mail and keeping track of parcels and registered mail”, he noted.

The Premier also said they taken a proactive stance to ensure that the integrity of the Post Office’s mandate is not compromised, and that we are not being used to facilitate the movement of controlled and illegal substances or firearms, ammunition and explosives into, and through the British Virgin Islands.

According to him, they have moved significantly in this regard, and in the coming months and years will continue to do so. “I urge all my colleagues today to continue on this track, and where you have not to invest significant effort in doing so”.

The transportation issues that the entire region is experiencing will be discussed in detail during the conference, as well as proposals to find solutions to these issues.

Other major topics that will be discussed are harmonisation, sustainability, e-commerce, postal security, and service diversity.

The conference ends on Friday.