Staff-training and governmental support for postal services were under the spotlight at the 17th Caribbean Postal Union Conference, opened by Bermuda’s Premier Michael Dunkley and UPU Director General Bishar A. Hussein on September 8.
Dunkley, as head of Bermuda’s government, underlined the importance of self-reflection for the region’s Posts as they considered their future.
“It is prudent for all of us to examine our business models, develop ways to increase efficiencies and to realize new opportunities to increase revenue,” he said. “We live in a very competitive world with demanding customers, who will use their purchasing power wherever they please,” he added.
UPU Director General Hussein told delegates that governmental support for postal services were crucial to the future of public postal services. And ensuring that staff have access to relevant and good-quality training was an integral part of the recipe for business success.
For Hussein’s part, attending the Bermuda meet provided a good opportunity to connect with constituents in the Caribbean. “It is only through such interactions that we at the UPU can assess your progress, understand your challenges and develop meaningful programmes to support your needs,” he told delegates.
Such exchanges have enabled the UPU to tailor its assistance to the region’s requirements. Recent discussions with Caribbean counterparts had revealed that the region faced a pressing need to enhance human resources both in terms of capacity and competences.
On that front, Hussein underlined that the UPU was already providing solutions to Caribbean countries in need. “I am happy to report that the UPU has in response to this concern conducted two training programmes this year: one on logistics and quality improvement and the other on customs issues,” he said. A further workshop on mail transportation is also planned for the near future.
Furthermore, Hussein announced that a Caribbean postal training centre in Barbados was due to be opened later in September. “I encourage all governments and postal organizations in the region to support the centre and make good use of it,” he said.
Eighteen countries are attending the event from 8-11 September, including postal representatives from the Caribbean, Great Britain, Netherlands and United States.
The Caribbean Postal Union is a restricted union of the UPU.
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