Prime Minister Mark Phillips yesterday commissioned the newly constructed Buxton Post Office and emphasised the need to ensure that the postal service is not left behind in today’s digital world.
Commissioned as part of the Guyana Post Office Corpora-tion’s (GPOC) World Post Day commemorative activities, the Prime Minister cited Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki, who said that nearly 100,000 out of 650,000 worldwide post offices lack adequate internet infrastructure.
A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said he noted that this limitation hinders the scope of digital, financial, and social inclusion services.
He said that in Guyana, the Government recognises the “digital divide” and is working to bridge this gap.
“Our Government has been arduously working to eliminate the digital divide through a robust ICT mandate where we seek to connect communities all across Guyana – especially hinterland and remote communities- with ICT services, provide ICT-related training to promote computer literacy”, he said.
Phillips also underscored the necessity of ICT in service delivery by ensuring access to digital postal services, regardless of geographical location. To address this issue, he unwrapped plans to equip local post offices with internet connectivity.
Speaking on the importance of implementing standard protocols which would enable seamless cross-border connections in postal service, the release said that Phillips highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders, while pointing to the UPU’s vision for a digital postal network to complement the physical infrastructure.
He added that the commissioning of the Buxton Post Office is an example of the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s dedication to serving all citizens.
Post Master General, Karen Browne and officials from the GPOC also attended the commissioning ceremony.
