CSME in spotlight at postal conference

The Caribbean 's move toward a single market and economy was among the major topics discussed at the recent Caribbean Postal Union's (CPU) ninth annual Conference of Postmasters General and Ministers.

The conference, held in Trinidad from June 27 to July 1, allowed postmasters general and government ministers with responsibility for the postal service, to examine a number of critical issues that impact the region's economic development.

In a panel discussion chaired by Trinidad's Public Utilities Minister, Pennelope Beckles, panel member Jamaica 's Commerce, Science and Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell, speaking on the impact of the CSME, stated that there was tremendous value in having a common regional approach to solving the variety of challenges faced by Caribbean postal administrations. He added that the Jamaican Government, in its thrust towards modernisation of the postal service, is resolute in approaching this transformation within the framework of partnership with regional postal services.

Minister Paulwell spoke to the importance for postal services to "embrace the changes which occur as a result of increasing use of alternative communication modalities such as email and cellphones". He pointed out that post office locations are ideally suited to enable Caribbean territories to "bridge the digital divide and bring Internet services to all citizens".

Regional Approach

Minister Paulwell further stated that it is imperative to have a regional approach to postal administration development and strategy for common issues such as the upcoming Cricket World Cup in 2007. He commented that this single event presents opportunities that highlight the necessity for a coordinated effort.

This, among other factors, is expected to bring a holistic approach to regional planning in postal service development. Cooperative efforts such as: the introduction of international package-tracking, airport and air mail security, postal codes, Customs and the establishment of a joint position on whether foreign post offices are to be allowed to operate, and if so, the level of their contribution to the country's revenue, are factors that will benefit all Caribbean countries.

An overview of the CSME and its relevance to the CPU noted the need for postal administrations to advance their preparedness for both national and international competition.

Other matters discussed at this conference were a disaster plan for Caribbean postal administrations and an agreement on

suggested rates for 'terminal dues'. Terminal dues are the amounts paid to the postal administration to which a mail item is sent, by the postal administration from which such item originated.

The conference closed with a public commendation to the Universal Postal Union's Caribbean adviser Herbert Niles for his pivotal role in the development and modernisation of the region's postal sector.

The CPU plans to release commemorative stamps for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

Contributed

Commerce, Science and Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell (centre) is flanked by postal service executives: Postmaster General Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson (right) and Post Corp Chairman Lance Hylton, at the ninth Caribbean Postal Union conference in Trinidad and Tobago, held from June 27 to July 1

Postal News

Postman's finger bitten off by dog

According to a news item on the website of the British newspaper Scarborough Today, dated June 28, a postman received a shock when the tip of his finger was bitten off!

How? He pushed the mail through the mail slot in the door and was bitten by a dog!

He was treated on-site by an ambulance team then rushed to hospital, as the end of his ring finger was missing. The householder's reaction was to promptly place an external mailbox to avoid a recurrence.

- Source: www.scarboroughtoday.co.uk

Definitive stamps

These are postage stamps issued for general use, and are placed on sale without restrictions in the duration that they are available.

Definitives tend to be issued as a series, and can include artwork that incorporates images of significant themes such as buildings, and the natural environment, among others.