The three Postmaster Generals of the Freely Associated States (FAS) met in Palau On October 11, 2019 to discuss the status of regional postal operations and share amongst each other on how to improve efficiency of mail delivery within the Micronesia region.
Palau Postmaster General Mr. Timothy R. Sinsak, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Postmaster General Mr. Ainrik George, and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Postmaster General Ms. Ginger Porter Mida held their very first meeting together in Palau to tackle issues such as delay of mail delivery and drug trafficking in the region. “We need to address these issues together as surface mail takes 2 to 3 months to reach us by ship coming from Guam,” says Palau Postmaster General Mr. Timothy R. Sinsak. The three Postmaster Generals are keen on working together to improve certain aspects of mail operations and to speak as one voice in presenting their concerns to the United States Postal Service (USPS).
“We need to meet often to tackle these challenges. Drug trafficking in the region is something we have yet to discuss together. This meeting is important so that we can share concerns, ideas, and possible solutions such as joint trainings and inspections to address drug trafficking,” said Postmaster General Sinsak. “Two to three months for surface mail delivery exceeds the amount of time given for indemnity claims. This makes it very hard for mail recipients to claim refunds for their items should they be lost or damaged.” Sinsak added.
The three Postmaster Generals agreed to have official meetings between the three FAS postal administrations once a year. Their next meeting will be held in Pohnpei, FSM where they will have an opportunity to revisit provisions set-forth in the Compact under postal service and other related matters that can be improved to help mail operation in the FAS region in the future. (PR)