ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr Andrew Wheatley on Friday (August 12), officially launched the Mobile Post Office service in the community of Steer Town, St Ann.

The Mobile Post Office is an initiative of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica and is expected to serve over fifty communities and adjoining districts currently without a static postal point.

In his remarks, Dr Wheatley said the mobile service forms part of moves to modernise the postal sector to ensure its continued relevance.

“This is a bold and important initiative which is keeping with the department’s plans, as well as its mandate, which is ensuring access of affordable postal services for all Jamaicans,” he said.

Wheatley said while the mobile post office will serve all Jamaicans, pensioners and the aged are especially happy, given the fact that it will drastically reduce the need for them to travel long distances.

He said the postal service has a rich history in Jamaica and the mission is to take it back to its glory days, with technology playing a major part.

“The sector has evolved considerably and now boasts a network of 283 post offices and 367 postal agencies across the island. I am pleased to see that the role of the post office is not only to receive and to send mails, but the department has diversified its offerings to include bill payment and internet café services,” Wheatley stated.

Meanwhile, Minister Wheatley noted that the Postal Corporation of Jamaica is now embarking on a number of initiatives as a way of being more innovative.

He said this includes the use of Zip Mail, which incorporates the use of technology to capture digital signatures upon delivery, as well as to allow persons to track the movement of items on line.

Wheatley also mentioned that there is an online postal shop where commemorative and collectors’ items are on sale.