Premier & BPO On Passing Of Sydney Corbett
The Premier and Minister of National Security, Michael Dunkley, and the Bermuda Post Office [BPO] have acknowledged the passing of former Postmaster General Sydney Corbett, who was appointed Postmaster General in 1969 and served in that role until his retirement in 1981.
A spokesperson said, “Mr. Corbett joined the BPO in 1940 as a clerk and saw many changes in the Postal system during his tenure. He joined the Service during the second world war – at a time when mail was delivered by ship and airboats and censors reviewed the mail prior to its distribution locally or is overseas posting.
“He served as PMG from 1969 to 1981.
“During Mr. Corbett’s tenure at the Post Office he witnessed many changes, such as the transition of mail delivery from horse and carriage to motorized vehicles; the Post Office become the first Government Department to break down racial barriers; and the move of the General Post Office to its current location on Church Street.
“Mr. Corbett was appointed Postmaster General in 1969 and served in this capacity until his retirement in 1981. Known for his focus on mail security, Postmaster Corbett spearheaded the effort to introduce postal codes in Bermuda in 1973. This was the forerunner to the actual introduction of postal codes in 1982.
“Just prior to his retirement in 1980, Postmaster Corbett introduced the Express Mail delivery System which was an elite mail delivery service for residential and business customers at that time to Bermuda.
“The express mail delivery service increased the efficiency and reduced the delivery time for important mail items and is still used by many as a cost effective alternative to private international courier mail.”
Premier Dunkley said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda I express sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. Corbett. His tenure as Postmaster General was a distinguished one during a time of significant change. Bermuda is tremendously grateful for his 41 years of public service.”
“He is survived by his wife Ruth, to whom he was married for over 66 years; they just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last month; daughters Joni Rosser [husband Eddie] and Sydney Jayn Hooper [husband Richard]; and two grandsons, Aaron and Scott Hooper.
“Mr. Corbett would have turned 91 on Saturday, February 20.”
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