BVI POSTAL CODE LAUNCHED

The BVI started another chapter in its history on Monday 30 October, when the new BVI postal codes were unveiled.

In his remarks at that historical occasion, Chief Minister, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith referred to the launch of the new codes as “another great step towards improving our ability to connect and to benefit from the outside world as we improve our communications links regionally and internationally.” He also said that the new postal codes will bring the BVI into the family of a 118 nations around the world who participate in the postal code system: “Our unique numbers will stand as a calling card to businesses within the international community, another statement both practical and symbolic that the BVI is connected to the world,” Hon. Smith said. 

The BVI Leader explained that the Territory’s postal codes will put the BVI on the map in terms of international postal delivery, and explained that the codes are not just numbers: “They are about putting the BVI on the international map.” The Chief Minister stated that the codes represent a bigger picture for the BVI, because they are paving the way for the Territory to eventually implement an addressing system. Hon. Smith pointed out that the BVI is the first OECS country to have a post code and that the Territory is the front runner in the wider English speaking Caribbean. 

The Secretary General of the Caribbean Postal Union, and Postmaster General of Jamaica, Michael Gentles said that the launch of the Post Code by the BVI Postal Administration is an important step in the Post Office’s ongoing postal reform project and will bring numerous benefits to its customers.

Mr. Gentles stated that “it is no secret that postal administrations grow globally after they have faced critical challenges in the wake of rapid technological changes, faced competitive forces and demands from clienteles that dictate that they provide products and services which meet or exceeds their expectations.” He pointed out that the post office’s ability to reinvent itself and remain relevant in the era of mobile phones, fax machines, the internet, and countless domestic and international courier companies are vital ingredients in any formula for success.” Mr. Gentles explained that in order to prosper or even survive in this new environment it is imperative that the postal services respond to these overwhelming market forces by changing the way they have traditionally done business.

The Secretary General informed that modernization and commercialization have now become the dual imperative towards which every postal administration must subscribe. He explained that modernization ensures that the postal service’s reform initiatives will be in line with 21^st century business practices.”

“To this end our business strategies must be reengineered and our operations streamlined to achieve optimum efficiencies, we must conduct market research and introduce new products and services that appeal to our customers. Commercialization will ensure that our administrations moves forward towards financial self sufficiency because the days of being a constant and increasing drain on the Government’s budget are rapidly evaporating,” Mr. Gentles pointed out.

BVI Postmaster General Kevin Smith announced that “it is with great exuberance that the postal administration endorses the historical launching of the postal code, which is a bold step towards improving our communications link.” Mr. Smith said that since communications is key, “we are charting a new direction in the postal service, reviewing much of our history, not only in being a pioneer of communications, but also as a major contributor to needed services for every economic class.”

He pointed out that the post code is only the beginning of this great revolution, ‘a small piece in a greater puzzle’: “With the post code as a launching pad the post must expand to accommodate other types of delivery services to meet the needs of a growing economy, and create a synergy between traditional services and innovative development,” he stated.

The Postmaster General explained that it was the Post Office’s aim through the support of Town and Country Planning Department to continue to develop the goal which the code represents and offer more delivery points.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister, responsible for Finance, Health and Social Development, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton stated that the establishment of the new postal codes is a historical achievement. He said that “it is a powerful symbol of our community’s growth and our further integration in the international community. Beyond the symbolic value of this achievement, the establishment of this new system is also of great practical necessity. The establishment of the BVI postal code will make a big step forward, as a result mail will be able to move more efficiently from the world to our mail boxes, and from our post offices to the world. This means that businesses will be able to send and receive critical documents including contracts, invoices and other key items via post more effectively and efficiently.”

The postal code for the Road Post Office (Road Town Central) is: VG1110. For Tortola East: VG1120. Tortola West: VG1130. Anegada: VG1140.   Virgin Gorda: VG1150. Jost Van Dyke: VG1160