Jamaica Hosts Global Small Island Developing States Postal Leaders Forum

Representatives from approximately 30 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have convened in Jamaica to deliberate on the future of postal operations across their nations.

The SIDS Postal Leaders Forum is being hosted by Jamaica Post in collaboration with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston from July 15 to 17.

Postmaster General, Lincoln Allen, described the forum’s debut in Jamaica as a significant milestone that reflects the nation’s growing leadership in shaping the global postal agenda.

“This occasion aligns closely with the mandate of Jamaica Post, where our mission extends beyond the delivery of mail to encompass the delivery of transformation, modernisation and meaningful progress,” he stated in an address during the opening ceremony on Tuesday (July 15).

The Postmaster General affirmed that the forum aims to facilitate insights, collaborations and actionable outcomes that will drive the continued evolution of Jamaica Post and strengthen postal services across the Caribbean.

He said the event’s theme, ‘Postal Digitalisation, Integration and Innovation: Sustainable Growth Boosters for SIDS’, articulates a clear and urgent mission to transform the postal supply chain into a resilient engine of connectivity, cohesion, commerce and inclusion for SIDS.

Mr. Allen emphasised that today’s postal network serves far more than the delivery of mail, noting that “it is an economic lifeline, a digital gateway and a vehicle for empowerment”.

He noted that throughout the forum, postal leaders will examine key drivers of transformation, with particular emphasis on how digitalisation and innovation can advance the modernisation of postal operations across SIDS.

“These conversations will centre on strengthening integration into the global logistics chain, enhancing business sustainability, improving disaster resilience and extending the reach of digital services to underserved communities,” Mr. Allen told the delegates.

In her remarks, Chief Technical Director (CTD) in the Office of the Prime Minister, Wahkeen Murray, who represented Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Rocky Meade, noted that SIDS must adopt a postal vision that transcends mail delivery.

“The postal service, often seen as the traditional backbone of communication, can lead transformation in our respective island states that fuels sustainable growth and development. The world around us is evolving at an astonishing pace, and by embracing the tenets embedded in our history, cultures, environment and the opportunities of this digital age, we can turn our challenges into catalysts for progress,” she affirmed.

Ms. Murray encouraged postal leaders to embrace forward-looking strategies that bridge digital divides, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen electronic commerce.

“As leaders of the postal services of SIDS, you have the ability to redefine postal services as engines of sustainable development. By championing digitalisation, integration and innovation, you have the capacity to empower communities, diversify economies and fortify resilience.

“Therefore, let us commit… to collaborative action… to unlock the full potential of our respective island states and to chart a prosperous and inclusive future,” the CTD said.