Here’s Postman Marlene
So you watched ‘The Susan Show’ on CVM TV last week in which two Postmen were interviewed about their job, and the Postmaster General, Michael Gentles, praised his team of Postmen islandwide for their diligence. We now highlight the other Postman, Ms Marlene Dawson, who was on the programme but did not appear in last week’s Gleaner-sponsored Jamaica Post feature.

This is no Susan ‘look-alike’ or an actress. Yes, Marlene is a Postman based at the Whitfield Town Post Office (Kingston 13). That means she also rides a bicycle delivering mail to customers who eagerly await her arrival along a daily route. There is no doubt that many questions arise regarding Marlene as a ‘Postie’, so keep sending us your feedback. You can Email us: postcorp_admin@colis.com, or telephone via the Toll-Free line: 1-888-JAMPOST (1-888-526-7678).

Black-Billed Parrot stamp series released
The Postmaster General has today released four new stamps featuring the ‘Black Billed Parrot’. Man is one of the greatest dangers to the survival of this bird as it is captured for the pet trade and killed by some farmers who consider them to be a nuisance.
Denominations available are: $5.00, $10.00, $30.00 and $50.00. Sheetlets, comprising 16 stamps representing all values, are also available and First Day Covers cost $300.00.

The ‘Black-Billed Parrot’ (Amazon Agilis), is also called the ‘Black-Billed Amazon’. As one of Jamaica’s endemic birds, this parrot is protected by the Wildlife Protection Act which was passed in 1945. It is about 10.5-11.5 inches in length, has a black bill and is green- except for the combination of black feathers and distinguishing red feathers on both wings.

Generally, this Parrot lays three to four eggs and the incubation period is approximately 24 days. As a non-excavating cavity nester, it is dependent upon native forests for its nesting needs.

Its habitat is mainly in tall trees in the Blue Mountains, the Cockpit Country and St. Catherine. It feeds on a wide variety of fruits, blossoms, nuts, berries, and corn (one of its favourite foods). Its feeding habit makes it a very important source of seed distribution that nurtures the environment.
The Black-Billed Parrot is likely to be seen flying in small family groups comprising an adult pair and the previous year’s brood of one, two, or sometimes three young birds.

Christmas card bonus rates closing soon!
Customers are reminded that the special rates applied to sending Christmas Cards in unsealed envelopes will close soon. During the period November 20 to December 29, 2006, customers may send Christmas Cards at reduced postage rates if they do not seal the envelope. The rate is $10 less than the regular rate, and to make it easier to remember, we have put them together so that you may clip it out and retain it for future reference.
Remember: the reduced rates apply only to Christmas Cards in unsealed envelopes, and they must be posted within the above-mentioned dates.

Postman Marlene Dawson is neither shy of the bike nor the camera on her daily route.