Postmaster General highlights growth, extended services

We are more than mail!

This reminder from Postmaster General Margaret Ashby, who was speaking during a church service held at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic to mark World Post Day, which is being celebrated worldwide today.

Using the opportunity to remind Barbadians of the many services offered by the Barbados Postal Services, she conceded that there have been challenges, including the influx of local international courier companies into the market.

However, she noted that the Postal Service has still managed to see continuous growth in the processing of packages as a direct link to the growth of E- commerce. “In 2015, over 35 000 packages were processed; in 2016 the number of packets processed was over 75 000. This growth is expected to continue during this year with figures up to July being in excess of 75 000 packets.”

While highlighting the changing face of the Post, she acknowledged that there is the view that technology will be the death of the Post. However, the Postmaster General revealed that technology has actually revitalized the postal industry worldwide. “The rapid expansion of e-commerce has resulted in an influx of merchandise items from nontraditional postal partners, China, Japan, Hong Kong and India, as customers have the access of purchasing goods within the global market place.”

She also noted that technology has also afforded the Post Office the opportunity to provide customers with alternative locations to pay their utility bills, which includes part-payments, paying reconnection fees, paying bills with arrears or payments after the discount date has expired. “No longer are customers required to travel far distances or wait in long queues to pay their bill as this service is now available at their local post offices.”

Ashby also explained that technology has provided the opportunity for the tracking of all recorded mail items through the Post. “For those who may not be comfortable with technology, the Barbados Post has risen to the occasion by offering our online service at the General Post Office, to assist in applying for their United States of America Visa or making their appointment for a Barbados passport.”

She noted that the Direct Mail Service offers businesses (small, medium or large) an affordable and effective means of targeting customers through the distribution of samples, flyers and brochures. Our Post Express Courier Service provides an affordable delivery option for online businesses.”
The Postmaster General used the opportunity to thank the members of the local postal family for their dedication in serving the Barbados population over the past 165 years.

A Health Fair/Customer Appreciation Day will be hosted today featuring health tests and product sampling in the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre at the General Post Office, (GPO) Cheapside, St. Michael, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Customer Appreciation Day will also be celebrated throughout the week, starting today, at the GPO and at all District Post Offices. (JH)