Junior Minister of National Security celebrated World Post Day this afternoon, thanking postal workers for their diligent service.

While the Senator acknowledged that the Bermuda Post Office is facing challenges, he said it plays an important role in the operation of the Island.

“In recent years the global postal sector has experienced a growing deficit as a result of steadily rising operating costs, declining mail volumes and declining revenue opportunities in the face of competition from new and faster technologies,” Sen Baron said. “In the face of these challenges, virtually all postal sectors are seeking ways to reposition themselves to compete more effectively in rapidly changing markets. Bermuda Post Office is no different

“Although the Post Office faces many challenges as it seeks to reposition itself, the human and social value of mail and the social role of the mail network must not be underestimated. The value of the Post Office as a basic communications and information provider in today’s growing knowledge society is fundamental to the social and economic fabric of a country.

“The postal service is and should always be inclusive, available to and affordable for everyone. Access to communication and information is, after all, one of the basic rights of every citizen.”

World Post Day is celebrated every year on October 9 to both commemorate the 1874 establishment of the Universal Postal Union in Sweden and raise awareness of the importance of the postal sector internationally.