Turks and Caicos Islands Represented at the 27th Caribbean Postal Union Conference

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 June 2025: The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities is pleased to announce the successful participation of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the 27th Annual Caribbean Postal Union (“CPU”) Conference held from 26th to 30th May 2025 at the Cadillac Hotel, South Beach, Miami, Florida.

The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Desmond Wilson, and included the Postmaster General, Mrs. Elizabeth James, and Head of Secretariat, Ms. Shanetta Thompson.

This year’s conference, convened under the theme “A Stronger and Safer Union: Designing Solutions through Engagement,” brought together delegates from twenty-five (25) member states across the Caribbean and beyond, including representation from the United States, Chile, France, and India.

The five-day event featured an extensive agenda covering a wide array of critical developments and challenges in the postal sector, with special focus on modernisation, security, trade compliance, and international cooperation.

Conference Highlights Included:

• Mail Statistics and Trends – A regional update on international mail volumes affirmed continued robust flows across the Caribbean network.
• United States Customs and Tariff Updates – Emphasis was placed on the new US tariff regime and its implications for Caribbean exports and postal logistics.
• Air Security and Prohibited Goods – A comprehensive presentation addressed the transport of dangerous items and enhancements to air mail safety.
• Financial and Operational Modernisation – IRP/IRS remuneration reform, critical for sustainability, was explored alongside CPU’s pilot initiative to implement an International Financial System to enhance cross-border e-commerce transactions.
• Security and Compliance Strategy – The STOP Act and Electronic Advance Data (EAD) were examined in the context of tightening regulatory requirements and enhancing US-Caribbean compliance mechanisms.
• Transportation and Resilience – Updates from the Caribbean Transportation Task Force were shared, along with the UPU’s Disaster Risk Management Certification program to strengthen postal resilience.
• Public-Private Partnerships and E-Commerce – Strategic partnerships with Pakya Mailing Services and Access LLC showcased innovative models for integrating private sector efficiencies into postal operations.
• International Collaboration – India Post proposed expanded training and regional collaboration with CPU members.

A notable aspect of the conference was the official visit to the United States Mail International Service Center (ISC) in Miami, where delegates witnessed firsthand the scale and logistics of global mail processing.

The Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Otis Morris, extended his appreciation to the delegation and underscored the importance of continuous innovation in public services:

“As Minister, I am proud of the leadership and engagement demonstrated by our delegation at the CPU conference. The lessons and relationships formed will serve to guide the strategic transformation of our Postal Services. In an era of rapid digitisation and global commerce, the CPU remains a vital platform for cooperation, problem-solving, and future-proofing regional postal systems. We remain committed to ensuring that our postal services evolve to meet the changing needs of the public while continuing to play a central role in connectivity and commerce.”

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Desmond Wilson, added:

“This year’s CPU Conference reinforced the importance of regional collaboration and innovation in postal services. The discussions on modernisation, security, and cross-border partnerships are vital as we work to enhance efficiency and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ postal sector. We look forward to implementing key takeaways to better serve our community.”

Finally, the Postmaster General, Mrs. Elizabeth James, commenting on the significance of the event stated:

“The conference was both fruitful and enlightening. It provided a clear lens into the evolving strategies and innovations that are essential to ensuring our postal service remains efficient, competitive, and aligned with the demands of a technology-driven, e-commerce world.”

The Turks and Caicos delegation returned to the islands on Sunday, 1st June 2025, energised with new insights and partnerships that will inform the Department’s modernisation agenda.