By LINDSAY THOMPSON
NASSAU, Bahamas, May 23, 2019 (BIS) — It was a celebratory mood as Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened the General Post Office at its new location in Town Centre Mall in the heart of the island of New Providence.
Staff members read poetry and sang songs, complemented with entertainment by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band – all in celebration of relocating to the new premises. Also present were Cabinet Ministers, Senators, senior public officials and other invited guests.
“Today is a good day for the residents and businesses on New Providence and throughout the Family Islands which rely on the Main Post Office for mail and for other services,” the Prime Minister said as he delivered the keynote address during the ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019.
“It is a very good day for the management and staff of the General Post Office, who no longer have to suffer the poor conditions, hazards and risks, associated with the former location.”
He also deemed it a good day for businesses in the area, which may see more customers because of the many thousands of people who will utilize the post office annually.
Staff had to endure years of poor working conditions, which impeded quality service to the public. However, under the provisions of a Resolution passed in Parliament last year, the General Post Office was moved from East Street to its new location on Baillou Hill Road south.
The Prime Minister spoke to the protracted journey, delays and indecision that subjected postal workers to substandard working conditions for many years.
“Our decision was the quickest, easiest, most cost-effective, and better way to resolve a longstanding and vexing matter that dragged on far too long,” the Prime Minister said. “But today is about the future not the past. Today is a new day for The Bahamas.”
He also envisions the post office as part of his government’s modernization and digital transformation programme, and has advised the Ministry of Transport and Local Government to use public service announcements, social media, and other measures, to communicate with the general public during this time of transition.
“Now, we will move to ensure that the mission and operating model of the postal service includes advanced information and communications technologies,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that the new General Post Office facility would be utilized for cultural displays to highlight Bahamian art and culture, and an ideal site for a major public mural.
“It would be most wonderful if the General Post Office will collaborate with the National Art Gallery, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Archives to stage exhibitions of Bahamian art and culture, including the artwork of students,” the Prime Minister said. “Moreover, we will develop an information centre here, where residents with no access to computers or indigent, or disabled individuals, may receive help from information assistants, in filling out various forms and accessing various services.”
Also as part of its multi-faceted, revolutionary services, the post office building will continue to house The Post Office Savings Bank. The aim is to provide depositors a safe and convenient method to save money, particularly where there is no access to banks.
“Further, postal money transfer and savings services have the potential to generate large resources that can be used for public investment,” the Prime Minister said. “We must rebuild the confidence of the Bahamian people in the postal system, by providing the standard of service that is demanded.”
