Roadtown, Tortola - Postmaster of the BVI Post, Mr. Kevin Smith, has announced plans for the impending move of the general post office on Main Street to an interim facility in early March.
In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Smith said, “A post office requires certain specifications and requirements. Currently, we cannot immediately remedy all issues at our operation on Main Street, so we have decided to utilize a new space at the Qwomar Building.”
The Postmaster shared the benefits of the move, which he said were more parking, an area for loading, a lift at the front and a ramp at the rear of the building. “The location is the best option from an operation standpoint,” he said.
He explained that this is only a temporary solution, “This facility will be utilized pending the fulfilment of the Cabinet decision.” He continued, “Cabinet has authorised the Financial Secretary to source a proposal for the construction of a new post office. Further information will be provided once an agreement has been signed.”
With regards to the Cabinet decision, Mr. Smith said, “I commend the Government for recognising the high priority need for constructing a post office.”
Although operations will be moving, Mr. Smith indicated that there will still be a need to retain the building on Main Street. He said, “The post office has stock of a certain value. Our main stock would have to remain in the vault at our operations on Main Street.”
The Postmaster also confirmed that the current building which houses the operations does have some structural and safety issues. He said, “The building is not condemned, despite what some may have heard. No agency has ever gone on record to say that we should immediately vacate the building; which is the process for buildings deemed uninhabitable. To date we have had reports from the Fire and Rescue Services, Environmental Health and Public Works departments. A proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Finance for a structural analysis to be conducted on the building.”
Mr. Smith continued, “We have always tried to look after all health and safety concerns regarding our offices. The staff has legitimate concerns which I also share. They should be commended and congratulated for not only making things work, but also being able to improve their services. It is time that they should be rewarded for their level of service and professionalism.”
Although the department will have two locations after the move, all public transactions will be conducted at the Qwomar Building on Blackburne Road.
The BVI Post, which is included in the portfolio of the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for postal communication. The mission of the BVI Post is to build continued confidence in postal communication by providing efficient and dependable mail services aimed at current and developing needs while diversifying into e-services provided by competent professionals.
British Virgin Islands News