Premier Speaks At Postal Union Conference
Premier Michael Dunkley took the time to welcome government ministers and dignitaries from around the Caribbean to the 17th Annual Caribbean Postal Union [CPU] Conference in Bermuda today [Sept 8].
The conference is running with a theme of “Sustainability in the 21st Century.”
Speaking to the conference’s attendees, Premier Dunkley said, “This will be the first occasion that the CPU Conference has been hosted in Bermuda and the Government of Bermuda is delighted to have been given the opportunity to host this important meeting.
“The theme for this year’s conference is “Sustainability in the 21st Century” and its sub theme “Repositioning the Caribbean Post” is a timely topic for all of us. For the past several years the global postal sector has experienced a growing deficit as a result of steadily rising operating costs, declining mail volumes and declining revenue opportunities.
“In the face of these challenges, virtually all postal sectors are seeking ways to reposition themselves to compete more effectively in rapidly changing markets.
It is prudent for all of us to examine our business models, develop ways to increase efficiencies and to realize new opportunities to increase revenue. Like every business the Bermuda Post Office, must aim to consistently provide a high standard of customer service to both internal and external customers.
A”While Bermudians are known for our outstanding hospitality and service, we know that in this fast paced and changing world we must do all we can to keep our customers coming back. In addition, it is prudent to consistently measure our performance against competitors.
“This conference will allow postal operators to share knowledge, information and experience, whilst also learning what other postal services are doing to become more innovative, customer focused, sustainable and competitive.
Having reviewed the agenda and program of events for this year’s conference, I have no doubt that the impressive list of speakers and the insightful agenda topics will provide the opportunity for those who are gathered here to examine the challenges confronting the Post and provide options for repositioning the Caribbean postal sector for a sustained and prosperous future.”
Premier Dunkley’s full statement follows below:
Good morning Government Ministers and dignitaries, Postmasters General, ladies and gentlemen – welcome to Bermuda.
The member countries of the Caribbean Postal Union [CPU] have convened annually in various locations throughout the Caribbean since its formal inception in 1997 to foster the objectives of the CPU and to promote mutual cooperation amongst postal operators throughout the region.
This will be the first occasion that the CPU Conference has been hosted in Bermuda and the Government of Bermuda is delighted to have been given the opportunity to host this important meeting.
I personally would like to acknowledge with thanks, the presence of the Universal Postal Union [UPU], Director General, Mr. Bishar Hussein, other representatives from the UPU, the CPU Management Board, the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal, CARICOM, the Caribbean Customs and Law Enforcement Council [CCLEC], the US State Department and the many CPU member countries who have gathered here in Bermuda to exchange information, on various innovations and transformation projects in the postal sector that are being successfully implemented throughout the Caribbean and other regions.
I am pleased to acknowledge our Bermuda observers to these proceedings: The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Michael DeSilva, HM Customs – Bermuda, the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Bermuda Public Services Union and the various Bermuda Post Office managers and Government Officials who are in attendance this morning.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Sustainability in the 21st Century” and its sub theme “Repositioning the Caribbean Post” is a timely topic for all of us. For the past several years the global postal sector has experienced a growing deficit as a result of steadily rising operating costs, declining mail volumes and declining revenue opportunities.
In the face of these challenges, virtually all postal sectors are seeking ways to reposition themselves to compete more effectively in rapidly changing markets.
It is prudent for all of us to examine our business models, develop ways to increase efficiencies and to realize new opportunities to increase revenue. Furthermore to find the right balance between the efficient delivery of public services and the economies needed to sustain them. In recognition of these growing necessities, the Bermuda Government earlier this year announced the closure of three sub-post offices with effect from November 1st, 2014.
Like every business the Bermuda Post Office must aim to consistently provide a high standard of customer service to both internal and external customers.
After all we live in a very competitive world with demanding customers who will use their purchasing power wherever they please.
While Bermudians are known for our outstanding hospitality and service, we know that in this fast paced and changing world we must do all we can to keep our customers coming back. In addition, it is prudent to consistently measure our performance against competitors.
This conference will allow postal operators to share knowledge, information and experience, whilst also learning what other postal services are doing to become more innovative, customer focused, sustainable and competitive.
Having reviewed the agenda and program of events for this year’s conference, I have no doubt that the impressive list of speakers and the insightful agenda topics will provide the opportunity for those who are gathered here to examine the challenges confronting the Post and provide options for repositioning the Caribbean postal sector for a sustained and prosperous future.
Before concluding I would like to congratulate the Bermuda Post Office for its vision in bringing the 17th Annual CPU conference to our Island and for its diligent preparation for this important event.
On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend my very best wishes for a very successful meeting.
Thank you.
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While I was sitting in the audience one of the representatives from CARICOM whispered to me “what happened to the last Premier of Bermuda?” All I could do was smile.
Did he happen to be from Cayman? Or maybe T&C?
Now that would be reason to smile.
Did he mention how our Post Office is 80% …………..YES………. EIGHTY PERCENT overstaffed according to SAGE?
And they still cannot get mail across the island in less than a week.
Perhaps the laziest people on the planet.
Its even worse than our TAXI service, and thats sayin something.
The current post master general is ruining whats left of the bermuda post office. This man and his team are void of any comprehensive plan to save the post office. In my opinion he is there to set it up to fail, i weep for the the employees of the post office who actually and genuinely care about this noble institution, granted there are some employees there who should be released post-haste.
Its like trying to keep a record and cassette shop running…wih email gmail etc…we are almost down to just packages and invoices.
Didn’t the sage report recommend downsizing?
This may make it sustainable.
Following is a thought for today and tomorrow that applies to any politician in any country / island
“If more politicians in this country were thinking about the next generation instead of the next election, it might be better for the United States and the world. -Claude Pepper, Senator and representative (1900-1989)
Just by chance the first email I got this morning listed ten things that won’t be around in ten years. The Post Office was number one on the list.
The Oba is double talking again, or should I say speaking with fork tongue, in a room of PO Union they speak pro Public postal services. The question to ask is should the BPO, diversify and compete directly with the private sector. In order to be profitable, or is the PO there to provide a nonprofit service