O'Meally-Nelson
IN THIS season of goodwill may we be thankful for the numerous blessings which we have received during the year, and be thankful also for the challenges which faced us, because it is these that have made us know our strength and our ability to trust and to overcome.
While we are thankful that we were spared the full level of devastation which Hurricane Ivan could have brought, we are mindful that many persons suffered severe
losses that will take them some time to overcome. The postal network had its share of damage also, and while some repairs have been done there are many post offices that remain in a state of disrepair. We recognise the patience of staff, many of whom have been called upon to work in less than ideal conditions, and trust that as we enter into a new year you will renew your commitment to service and to your own personal development and growth.
You have maintained high morale throughout the year despite the constraints on salary increases occasioned by the Memorandum of Understanding between the
government and the trade unions. Our focus on customer service is beginning to bear fruit and I urge you to make 2005 the year when creating satisfied customers will be our main focus.
CAREFUL PLANNING
During the year we have been able to maintain the new standards of delivery that have been set and to begin to eliminate the public perception of the 'old snail mail' to one of a fast and reliable service. Careful planning and coordination have contributed to another successful hassle-free Christmas mail season. This, as well as the fact that mail moves so rapidly these days, shows that we can do so much more with the combination of teamwork and personal dedication.
Here I must acknowledge the sorting and delivery team at the CSO and those in each post office islandwide, who have taken up the challenge of the new standards and have shown that they are as good as postal workers in the most efficient post offices worldwide.
We have also rolled out a suite of additional services that include the new Express Mail Service, Advertising Mail and Bulk Mail. EMS with its website tracking feature which was announced in June this year is now a reality. We look forward to the beginnings of our very own zip courier service early in the new year.
A landmark initiative has been the publishing of a weekly Jamaica Post feature in The Gleaner. This feature was made possible courtesy of the Gleaner Company and has served to put the post office in the public eye and to provide important news and information on postal events.
The new services being launched are clear indications of how much Jamaica Post and its people have to offer. The many ideas contributed by the postal service team form the basis for success and growth of our new services.
One pivotal aspect of nation building is contributing to the development of the business sector, and the postal service can proudly say that we are not asleep.
In July, for the first time, we were able to show appreciation to retirees by hosting a luncheon in their honour. Our secretaries also were the focus of attention on Secretaries' Day. Such were a few of the many demonstrations of love and appreciation shown to our postal family across the island. Staff welfare continues to be a primary focus, as evidenced by such activities as the recent health fair, staff seminars with financial advisers and health screening.
CONFIDENCE
The official opening of the new Liguanea Post Mall with its flagship post office took place in June. This did not overshadow the opening of other postal facilities at locations such as Exchange, Shooter's Hill and McCooks Pen, Portland Cottage, as these were built through the cooperative effort of communities, the private sector and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute. This alliance indicates the nation's
confidence in the postal service.
Early in 2005, the new ultra-modern Santa Cruz Post Office will be opened and will provide significant comfort to our customers as well as the staff. This sets the stage for advancing the redevelopment and refurbishing of as many other sites as the budget will allow.
We are committed to facilitating communication for development for this proud nation of achievers. Blessed Christmas to you all and may the good Lord bless and keep you throughout 2005.
