Steps to bring the Bermuda Post Office “up to the 21st century” have begun, the Cabinet Office minister said this morning.

Wayne Furbert said that the Government “is now in the process of enhancing the information technology services and products” provided.

He added: “The Bermuda Post Office is currently undergoing major upgrades in its systems that will have great benefits to the general public.”

Mr Furbert said the Government was in the “first phase” of installing an IT programme, which will allow the BPO to provide “a wide range of products” to the public, including online services, bill payments “and other transactions not normally associated with the postal service”.

He added: “Eventually, these will be available in every post office throughout Bermuda and will provide a greater convenience to the public, while ensuring more efficiency in how Government provides its services to its people.

“We are confident that these new services will make life simpler and more convenient for the general public once they are up and running.”

Mr Furbert told MPs that he would attend a special congress being held by the Universal Postal Union in September.

He said the event will look at the possible impact to other nations, including Bermuda, if the United States opts to withdraw from the global body.

Mr Furbert said that such a move would cause “turmoil and volatility in the worldwide shipping rates, with a resultant increase in costs for mail and parcels”.

He added: “We are hopeful that, after discussions and resolutions are reached in September, the US will remain in the UPU and that an agreement can be reached on the way forward with the setting of universal rates that are agreeable to all members.”

• To view Wayne Furbert’s statement in full, click on the PDF link under “Related Media