The post, an invaluable public service worldwide |08 October 2011

“The world postal network is an enormous web that spans the four corners of the globe. Still today, it is the largest physical delivery network in the world. Each day, more than 600,000 post offices serve billions of people, and each year they handle more than 438 billion letters and six billion parcels, and offer a vast range of electronic, financial and logistics services.

On this World Post Day, we should remember the fundamental values of the Post and the numerous public services it offers to people everywhere, which contribute to the economic development of countries.

Today, of all the billions of letters processed and delivered by posts throughout the world each year, it is estimated that more than 80% come from businesses, associations or government entities. Personal letters account for 5 to 11% of mail volumes. Meanwhile, parcel posts are on the rise, as posts have taken advantage of the growing popularity of e-commerce to become the preferred distributors of those who buy and sell over the Internet.

Like other sectors, postal services are faced with economic crises and increased competition, but in this era of rapidly developing information technologies they are still managing to hold their own. They continue to ensure a vital communication link between people and businesses worldwide, not only in daily life but also in the face of natural disasters.

Many people had turned to the post to send supplies to friends and relatives during natural disasters, or to withdraw money from mobile post offices set up to serve the most severely affected areas. The posts play a major role in cementing solidarity among the people and lifting their spirits, offering hope to victims who had taken refuge anywhere they can find it.

This is the human value of postal services. Beyond the services provided, the five million postal employees – and in particular postmen, counter staff, messengers and others – are all the face of an immense public service with social and economic dimensions the world could ill afford to live without.

Today the Seychelles Postal Services operates as an autonomous entity with the challenges to bridge the physical and electronic worlds. It also reflects the dynamism of the new Seychelles.

On this World Post Day, let us remember the very relevant and valuable role the post plays in the day to day lives of billions of people and businesses, not only as a means of communication, but also as an essential driver of economic growth.
Happy Postal Day to all post office staff!”