Caribbean postal services must embrace digital technology such as artificial intelligence in order to find their place in a rapidly changing world, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during a regional conference held last week in the Virgin Islands.
“In this digital age, where e-commerce is not just a trend but a way of life, our postal services play an important role in connecting communities and supporting economies,” Mr. Wheatley said during the keynote address at 2025 Caribbean Postal Union and Universal Postal Union Workshop. “The rapid acceleration of online shopping has fundamentally altered consumer expectations, and we, as leaders in the postal sector, must adapt our operations accordingly.”
Hosted by the two postal unions in collaboration with the BVI Post, the March 25-27 conference drew 29 postal leaders from around the Caribbean, according to government.
Topics discussed included e-commerce, data-driven operations, customer service, artificial intelligence and blockchain, and leadership.
Islands’ challenges
In his keynote address, Mr. Wheatley noted the importance of adapting to ongoing challenges facing postal services around the world.
“The BVI, like many small island developing states, faces unique challenges in adapting to the e-commerce boom,” he said. “Our geographical location, limited infrastructure and resources, and the need to balance economic development with environmental sustainability require innovative solutions. We must leverage technology to streamline logistics, improve delivery times, and enhance customer experience, all while ensuring that our operations are sustainable, secure, and resilient.”
The conference was themed “Adapting to the Future: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Innovation through Leadership in Postal Services.”
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