Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — The General Post Office (GPO) in St. Kitts and Nevis is preparing to launch a new service to residents that will open up new opportunities for online shopping in the United States or anywhere that ships there.
Deputy Postmaster General Darrien Veira said the GPO has been testing a U.S. Mailbox Service over the past few months. The service allows for 150 registered persons to have mail, products or other items shipped to an address in the US. A company receives the package and then forwards it to the local post office.
“We have been doing well,” Mr. Veira said, reflecting on the relationship with the corporate partner in Florida and customer feedback. “We have had good turnaround time for getting the packages here and they (customers) have said that the price is feasible.”
That’s key as officials try to find ways to keep postal services relevant. The intention is not to replace companies already performing this service but rather to add an option for persons dissatisfied with their current service, who cannot afford the higher fees charged or are unable to collect packages in the capital, Basseterre.
“At the moment it’s free,” the deputy postmaster general explained. “If someone wants to signup they just need to bring two pieces of ID (identification) to the post office and the secretary at the front desk can sign them up. Within 24 hours they will get their credentials and they can start using it right away.”
Based on market research, Veira added: “Our rates are cheaper and we have partner post offices around the world that we work with. One of our key features is that … persons can have their packages delivered to them. We will do door to door delivery and that is on St. Kitts and on Nevis.”
Individuals who prefer to collect their packages can do so at the post office in Basseterre or at Sandy Point based on their preference.
The GPO will officially end the testing phase and launch the service to the public on Friday, October 09, 2015 – World Post Day. It will be part of week-long activities to mark the occasion and officials are planning a street event to capture the public’s attention.
Although the service is currently free a pricing system will be introduced at the launch. Mr. Veira assured that the service will be affordable. However, persons wishing to cash in on the free period can do so by registering now.