Mayor: Post offices remain essential despite digital shift
Published:Thursday | March 12, 2026 | 12:08 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay’s Mayor, Richard Vernon, says that despite the growing use of digital platforms as communication tools, post offices and postal agencies remain relevant – particularly for older residents who are not proficient with new technology.
“In our minds we want to rid ourselves of certain institutions, but in reality, we can’t. And these institutions include the postal agency,” Vernon said at Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of the Flankers Postal Agency, which was recently rehabilitated at a cost of $3.5 million.
“Persons tend to say that they are dated and that we no longer need them, but that is not the case. We need them. These infrastructures are close to the community and deliver services to persons who have not yet crossed that hurdle,” he added.
The renovation forms part of the Government’s continued investment in Jamaica’s postal infrastructure. The 2026–2027 Estimates of Expenditure project more than $5 billion for postal services, including operational support and improvements to facilities and service delivery.
LEFT BEHIND IN SHIFT
According to Vernon, while many services have shifted online, a significant number of citizens remain on the wrong side of the digital divide. “Even though we are shifting to online platforms to do communication, to pay money and to do all of those services, there are some persons who are just not there,” he said. “And these institutions are needed to deliver those services at the community level, so we cannot centralise everything. We have to have them here.”
Vernon also highlighted the Flankers Postal Agency’s position within a broader community ecosystem, noting its proximity to the primary school and health centre. “It is situated in a space that also has the primary school and the health centre, so other institutions surround it, which makes it a complete space, a proper ecosystem for the community. Therefore, this restoration is fit for purpose,” he said.
He further commended Senator Charles Sinclair, councillor for the Montego Bay North West Division, for championing the restoration project. “I congratulate Councillor Charles Sinclair for identifying a project that is necessary for the community and spending the money appropriately to ensure that services are not only restored, but properly delivered to the community,” Vernon said.