PERSONS who utilise the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) overseas express parcel and mail service would have noticed an increase in the cost for these services.According to Operations Manager Avinash Patterson, this came about after a review of the cost associated with providing the service found that it was unrealistic. Patterson assured that in spite of the increase, the rates are still below what is being charged by other entities offering similar services.

The Operations Manager said that the delivery is usually done between 5 and 7 days but may be affected by flight delays or in cases of severe weather conditions in the destination country. He said that for both mail and parcels, persons are issued with a tracking number that they can use to follow the movement of the parcel and be advise on its arrival at the post office for delivery.
Patterson said that while this is a service offered by the GPOC, it is only available at selected post offices where Guyana Revenue Authority, Customs Officers are stationed.
These Post Offices include GPOC Offices at Robb Street, Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Skeldon in Berbice, Lethem in Region 9, McKenzie in Region 10, and Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.
The cost to ship a parcel weighing 20 kilograms and less ranges from $5,000 for postage to countries in the Caribbean to $9,000 for postage to areas as far as Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. There is an additional cost if parcels exceed the 20 kilogram weight limit but no reduction if it weighs less.
The Express Mail Service (EMS) offers fast delivery and is used to post documents that may be larger than the normal mail. The cost for this service varies from $3,500 to $8,500 for countries in the Caribbean and Europe, Africa and Australia respectively.
PARCEL DELIVERY
A parcel delivery service also operates locally which is not being adequately utilised. The Operations Manager urged persons to use the service as it is fast, safe and reliable.
Area Manager Donette Semple, however, reminded that persons wishing to use the service are required to produce a valid identification card or passport and proof of address that should be a mail delivered by the GPOC showing the stamps on the envelope. Persons who are not resident in Guyana would be required to produce a passport showing their date of entry to Guyana and an official letter from the hotel they are residing at or the landlord for the building they are occupying, verifying their identity before being allowed to transact business.
(By Raymon Cummings)