Postmaster General and CEO of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica, Michael Gentles, is confident that the nation's mail operations will be back on track shortly.

Much of the island's road network was blocked by debris following the ravages of Hurricane Dean on Sunday, August 19. Some post offices also suffered minor structural damage.

The postal executive stated that operations at the Central Sorting Office (CSO), the postal service headquarters, resumed on Tuesday, August 21, despite the absence of some staff members who were severely affected by the storm.

He noted that key persons within the Operations Division were, on Monday, August 20, busy ensuring that preparations were undertaken for an early resumption of mail processing.

Delays on the road

Based on the debris on the roads, he expects that there may be "delays in some of the more remote geographical locations", given the intricate postal network, and "at this time it is possible to expect 95 per cent mail access across the island. Some post offices have sustained damage, but our mandate to provide effective mail communications requires that operations must continue as best as possible to satisfy customers.

Unfortunately, those post offices that have not yet had electricity restored will not be able to offer some services. Gentles also pointed out that most facilities have had utilities restored, but those locations that still lack power andwater will have shortened operating times until these are available.

Turning to the international scene, Gentles commented: "The first airmail dispatches began towards the end of the same week." He added that overseas mail movement had to await the integration of operations at the Norman Manley International Airport, but that the postal system had been ready and waiting to facilitate airmail dispatch from Wednesday, August 22. Airmail processing was impacted by airline schedules having been changed, but this will be reduced as flights begin to return to their accustomed times.

18 postal suffered damage

Although reports are still being compiled, 18 postal locations have suffered serious damage and two post offices have had to be relocated due to the extent of the damage. The relocations affect:

Old Harbour Bay PO: now operating from Old Harbour PO (St. Catherine).

Ken Jones PO: now operating from Hopewell PO (Hanover).