Clarification Regarding Media Highlight of Private Courier Sector Operations

Issued from: Central Sorting Office, 6-10 South Camp Road,
Kingston
Thursday July 31, 2008 @ 3:30pm

The Postmaster General/CEO & Board of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica Ltd wish to publicise the following announcement:

In accordance with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) conventions, all Postal Services worldwide have a 'universal service obligation' to ensure that mail communications remain accessible across the entire nation and serve persons from all socio-economic classifications.

The Post Office Act 1941 establishes the Jamaican Postal Service as the authority for all mail communications within Jamaica based on the stipulated "exclusive privilege" of the Postmaster General, as contained in section 6 (and supported by other sections) of the Post Office Act 1941. This law remains in force.

Today's global scenario requires a paradigm shift in postal business arrangements. The Government has begun the process to amend the current law. The new Board of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica Ltd is committed to fast-tracking these amendments and will therefore soon be conducting dialogue with all stakeholders. It is the intention of this Board to ensure that the amended law will include provisions intended to accommodate private mail delivery.

We are cognisant of the need to regulate this vital industry while simultaneously embracing competition in the industry with the ultimate objective of improving service delivery and customer service.

It is an accepted principle within the 191 member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) that the establishment of private mail providers must not create a disadvantage to the citizenry, but rather, work in tandem with the Government, the regulator and the designated official postal service provider in each nation.

The Government and, by extension, the Postal Corporation's objective is to have a smooth transition where all stake holders win. We are committed to this process and will update all stakeholders over the next few months