Mail regulation revision looms

Acting Postmaster General/CEO, Michael Gentles, is of the view that the current security threat level experienced in the United Kingdom (UK) may eventually create changes in mail regulations regarding content and packaging.

In an announcement to the Gleaner Co/Power 106FM, he indicated that one possible development from the recent situation is that all packages intended for the mail may be subject to visual scrutiny. “What now exists is that persons hand in a sealed package at the postal counter. The Customer Service Rep (CSR) checks that the declaration form is completed, checks the weight to determine the cost, and then places the item in the mail dispatch.”

He cited the possibility that “We may be expected to become the ‘first line of defense’ so to speak, as customers may be asked to present all mail to the CSR for visual confirmation before being sealed. This visual inspection would precede the series of confidential security screening checks that occur after being handed to the CSR”.

The postal chief commented that such a change would match the existing scenario with Express Mail Service (EMS) -an international delivery-certain product with Internet tracking – in which customers present the contents to the CSR for inspection. The CSR then places items in an EMS-branded self-sealing pouch.

Gentles stated that the likely impact of this is that there may be an increase in the time required for each transaction. Also, if these measures are implemented, then customers could be asked to carry tape and seal their own packages. Alternatively, the postal service may find itself having to respond to customers’ needs by retailing packaging materials.

Another possible development is with regard to content restrictions. Gentles added: “No immediate modifications to content regulations have yet been announced, but given the drastic revisions to passenger carry-on luggage, some may carry over to the mail portfolio of airline restrictions.”

He indicated that such issues have surfaced in international fora at the regional level through the Caribbean Postal Union (CPU), in which he was recently elected Secretary General, as well as at the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the branch of the United Nations that regulates postal affairs across the globe.

JUTC Smart Card now available at post offices
The Postal Corporation of Jamaica (Post Corp) recently announced the addition of sales of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s Smart Card to its range of services.

At a ceremony to launch this service, held at the Central Sorting Office in Kingston on Thursday, August 24, 2006, Kern Spencer, Minister of State in the Ministry of Technology, Energy and Commerce (MITEC), remarked that sales of JUTC’s Smart Card complements the suite of Post Corp’s available offerings.

He noted the fact that by going for an already sensitised market, Post Corp is certain to maximise its earning potential for Smart Card sales. Another plus outlined by the Minister was the proven capability of government agencies to create effective alliances, and especially so in this case as the Smart Cards have multi-agency operability.

JUTC President Patrick McIntosh noted some benefits and financial rewards that accrue to users of the Smart Card. In particular, he indicated the unique benefit of utilising the electronic data format: if a Smart Card is lost, it can be replaced, and the remaining value is transferred to the replacement card. He added that the post offices offering Smart Cards were selected by virtue of their convenience to JUTC customers.

Senator Kern Spencer, State Minister in the Ministry of Commerce (second left), poses with the first JUTC Smart Card purchased from a Post Office. Also pictured are Deputy Postmaster General, Carolle Hainsley (right), Dr Fenton Ferguson (second right), State Minister in the Ministry of Transport, and JUTC President Patrick McIntosh.