World Post Day 2023: $33M Buxton Post Office commissioned

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips emphasised the importance of the postal service in global communication and connection, while highlighting the need to ensure that it is not left behind in today’s digital world.
During the official commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Buxton Post Office on Monday, as part of the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s World Post Day commemorative activities, the Prime Minister cited Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki, who revealed that nearly 100,000 out of 650,000 worldwide post offices lack adequate internet infrastructure.
This limitation, he noted, hinders the scope of digital, financial, and social inclusion services.

He said that in Guyana, the Government recognises the “digital divide” and is working to bridge this gap by connecting remote and hinterland communities.
He outlined its comprehensive ICT strategy, focused on connecting communities across the nation and promoting computer literacy through ICT-related training.
“Our Government has been arduously working to eliminate the digital divide through a robust ICT mandate where we seek to connect communities all across Guyana – especially hinterland and remote communities – with ICT services, provide ICT-related training to promote computer literacy.”

Prime Minister Phillips also underscored the necessity of ICT in service delivery by ensuring access to digital postal services, regardless of geographical location. To address this issue, he announced plans to equip local post offices with internet connectivity.
Furthermore, he touched on the significance of safeguarding privacy and protecting personal data in digital postal services. He mentioned the recent passage of Guyana’s Data Protection Bill in August as evidence of their commitment.

Speaking to the importance of implementing standard protocols which would enable seamless cross-border connections in postal service, he highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders, while pointing to the UPU’s vision for a digital postal network to complement the physical infrastructure.
“A digital single postal territory is crucial for enhancing efficiency, extending the reach of our postal services, and cultivating trust in this digital era. In a time characterised by swift technological advancements, we acknowledge the paramount importance of preserving the integrity of postal communications and ensuring the security of personal data.”
Emphasising collaboration and innovation in digital postal services, Prime Minister Phillips acknowledged the need for strict cybersecurity measures to secure sensitive data and maintain digital service integrity. He highlighted the role of national and international collaboration in ensuring a safer future for digital postal services.
“By collaborating at the national and international levels, we can create a safer, more connected, and more trusted future for postal services in the digital age. It is through these collective efforts that we can ensure the postal sector continues to play a pivotal role in connecting people and nations, fostering economic growth, and upholding the values of trust and reliability.”
He added that the commissioning of the Buxton Post Office is an example of the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s dedication to serving all citizens, and demonstrates Government’s efforts to modernise post office facilities and services for the benefit of all Guyanese.
Post Master General Karen Browne and officials from the Guyana Post Office Corporation also attended the commissioning ceremony.