New stamps show post office is alive and well

These days the word mail is usually preceded by the letter “e”…but that doesn’t mean that the postal service is a thing of the past. News Five’s Jacqueline Woods reports on the latest newfangled invention… called stamps.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Today, the Belize Post Office commemorated two hundred years of postal services and launched two issues of Belizean stamps. According to Minister of Works, Transport, and Communication Jose Coye, even with the increased use of modern communication technology like computer and email service, he does not believe that the need for the postal service has been affected.

Jose Coye, Min. of Works, Transport, Communication
“I believe that there will always be a need for postal service such as we provide. And if there is a diminution of that need, then we must adjust. If there are new techniques and strategies that need to be employed, then we must adopt. If the conditions, like the times are a-changing, then we must adapt.”

Everard Lopez, Postmaster General
“I believe to a very limited extent, because we are not presently offering that service. But if we get our own building, I am sure that we are capable of offering all those services to the public.”

“You must understand that poor people use the post office. The ones, the people that can afford to do it, use the internet, the more expensive couriers like FedEx, but the poor people use the post office and the post goes to some of the remotest areas in our country where the other couriers do not take mails or parcels.”

The new stamps unveiled today honour the late Pope John Paul the Second through the release of two hundred thousand pieces in an omnibus issue that has the participation of other Commonwealth countries worldwide. Also introduced was a definitive series, which has as its theme: Belize Destinations ? Ecological and Cultural Heritage Sites. The special issue comprises over eight million pieces depicting twelve reserve sites and monuments found throughout the country.

In his main address to the gathering, Coye says many Belizeans are unaware of the vital role the postal service has played in the promotion of the nation.

Jose Coye
“Whether they depicted birds, butterflies, reptiles, fishes, turtles, bats, beetles, monkeys, crustaceans, shells, flowers, shrubs, orchids, or trees, Belize’s unmatched natural beauty bloomed in the eyes of the world through our stamps.”

“Today we do not just launch yet another issue of Belizean stamps, today we add another chapter to a fascinating lore, another page to our history book, another sub?division to our catalogue of art works, and hopefully, another gem to what was once one of our crowning jewels. If fortune should smile on us, and if our stewardship is steady, we should see our stamps once again become a badge of honour, and a source of national pride.”

Today, the Belize Postal Service operates fifteen facilities nationwide. Jacqueline Woods for News Five.

Earlier this year the Belize Express Mail Service unit achieved silver level certification for its performance in 2004 as a result of placing thirteenth out of one hundred and ninety-seven countries with regard to tracking, tracing, and quality of service.