Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 04, 2016 (SKNIS): With the advent of electronic mail (e-mail) and innovations in information communication technologies (ICT), challenges have been created for the postal service in looking for new avenues of revenue due to less persons sending mail in the traditional way.
Postmaster General of the St. Kitts and Nevis Postal Services, Dario Gill, said on the Government’s radio and television programme “Working for You” on August 31 the e-mail service has proven to be more efficient and quicker than regular postal mail. But, he announced that the postal service is implementing measures to address that challenge.
“That’s why we try to find new revenue streams…we’re hoping to have e-commerce sometime in the future, where persons can sell their products (through us) if they have a small business,” Mr. Gill said. With this service, the postal service will host a webpage for businesses and process payments on behalf of these businesses.
Also, the Postmaster General said that the postal service is addressing that problem by offering additional services such as the US mailbox service.
“Now you can set up a US Mailbox and have an account and order on Amazon and eBay… and its freight forwarded to St. Kitts and Nevis, which is very convenient. We decided to get into that area based on the high demand from the public,” Mr. Gill said, adding that this service has been doing well since its launch. “I know we are the new kid on the block when it comes to the US Mailbox, but we are holding our own. We are giving our competitors a run for their money.”
US Mailbox applicants at the post office pay a one-time sign-up fee of EC$100. Customers would pay EC$22 for the first shipment of items, and every three pounds on every item after that first shipment is EC$6 plus an EC$5 insurance fee.
There is also the Express Mail Service, which Mr. Gill said is one of the cornerstone services of the Postal Service.
“We still have to market it some more so people can be aware of the Express Mail Service that we offer,” he said, while noting that they will be looking at the money transfer service in the near future.
Meanwhile, the St. Kitts and Nevis Postal Service will be observing World Postal Day on October 9 with a week of activities.
“We plan on having a church service. Incidentally, October 9 falls on a Sunday. We will have a walk, staff luncheon, outreach to the schools. Also, donations to probably the children’s home (and) customer appreciation day,” Mr. Gill disclosed.