Prime Minister says Govt proud of GPOC’s dedication during pandemic

– Joins organisation in celebrating World Post Day

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, this morning congratulated the staff of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), for their dedication in delivering key services to the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was at the time delivering brief remarks at the GPOC head office during a simple ceremony in observance of World Post Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow, October 9, 2020. The day will be celebrated under the theme, “More than Mail”.

The Prime Minister said while many other categories of workers have been allowed to stay safe at home, postal workers have been bravely facing the risks of COVID-19.

“Delivery of bills, pension payments and other important payments remain a major part of their role country wide, while our 62 post offices across Guyana serve as critical locations for the payment of old age pension, money transfers and other critical services,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the Government will continue to support the efforts of the GPOC to ensure that it continues to meet its mandate.

“Our Government is proud of the continued efforts being put in place by the Guyana Post Office Corporation, even at this challenging time, to innovate and offer efficient and reliable services. We are committed to ensuring that the GPOC receives the support that it needs to continue along this progressive path,” he added.

In her remarks, Post Master General, Ms. Karren Brown, said that the GPOC is the largest delivery service in the country with over 500 staff and 62 locations, and that the organisation has had to adapt to working within a COVID-19 environment.

“We are cognisant of the fact that life cannot cease and business of the day must continue. Although there were obstacles, we found and continue to find ways to surmount them,” she said.

Ms. Brown said with the changes in the industry, the GPOC continues to diversify its services.

“To grow and to meet the challenging demands placed upon us, we recognise that we must continue to adapt our services, packaging and delivery. We continue to look for ways to digitize, provide e-market services and improve our delivery options,” Ms. Brown higlighted.

The GPOC also used the opportunity to provide certificates and tokens of appreciation to several outstanding members of staff, and bursary awards to children of employees, who excelled at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examinations.