In light of recent terrorist
threats to air traffic, all mail sent overseas from Cayman via the US weighing
over one pound will now be checked by the Cayman Islands Postal Service before
it can be sealed, according to Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow.
The new scheme, which comes
into force Thursday is likely to disrupt the sending out of Christmas presents,
small packets, express service mail and other mail during the postal service’s
busiest season.
According to Postal Service
officials, this latest initiative has been instituted because of heightened
security measures issued by the US Department of Homeland Security.
On 29 October two packages,
each containing a bomb made with plastic explosives, were found on separate
cargo planes heading from Yemen
to the United States.
At present, the Postal Service
does not quantify the number of items by weight that are US bound. However,
this latest measure will affect not only mail intended for the US, but all mail transiting through the US to anywhere
else in the world.
Local post office counter
staff will be required to examine the contents of all mail over 16 ounces
before accepting it for posting and such mail will need to display a return
address.
Having confirmed that the
contents are safe, only then will customers be able to seal and post items.
In addition to the counter
examination, all customers must continue to declare the contents of all letter
mail, parcels and EMS over one pound.
The move is a combined effort
and will also be taken up by the US Postal Service. Given that the personal
safety of postal staff and air travellers are thought to be at risk, the Postal
Service is working with Cayman Airways to implement all security measures for
mail heading into the US.
British Airways is also taking
similar measures for the mail it carries from Cayman.
“It is most unfortunate that
the Postal Service should have to take such steps, especially with the
Christmas season approaching,” Ms Glasgow said, “but it is being done out of an
abundance of caution, given the recent global security threats.
“The Caribbean
region has long been a vulnerable transshipment area for such matters as
illegal drugs. The process of examining the contents of items weighing more
than a pound is the best compromise that the Postal Service can implement right
now to help minimise the risk [of our] mail… [and] does not pose a security
risk to other countries like the United States.
“We’re not doing this to be
nosy or intrusive, but terrorism is having a growing impact on numerous aspects
of our lives,” she added.
According to a Postal Service
press release, many airlines and countries have banned or restricted the
shipment of parcels and cargo from or transiting through Yemen and Somalia. The statement added that
such action will negatively impact the movement of mail from these countries
for the foreseeable future.
When asked whether this
would require extra manpower or for local post offices to stay open longer,
Assistant Postmaster Tara Bush said, “There are no funds to facilitate adding
extra staff or opening longer hours.”
In response to how the new
postal measures would affect its business, UPS and Sta-Mar Enterprises’ Cayman
agent, Jennifer Kaufman, said, “In reality, we already have to do a check when
a customer brings in a box of sundry or household items. UPS international
regulations stipulate that we do a search before the parcel or packet of an unknown
shipper is sealed.”
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Why would they care what is ‘OUTgoing’
does it matter to Cayman?
I think this is a silly rule. Pointless and invasive.
I love how they use ‘terrorism’ as the excuse. LOL.
How is checking packages that are LEAVING cayman, a terrorist threat?
Must be pretty lucky terrorists to be living in Cayman, so they can send out ‘parcels’ to other countries. *rolls eyes
Big Beard,
Obviously you are short sighted and out of the loup.
Not only will those packages be inspected but I am certain that those lap tops brought in by business or tourist Investors as the Premier puts it ‘will Be Inspected As Well!’ The recent meeting in the UK was 99% about National and international Security and 1% everything else! we’re not stupid. There’s no way that the UK and the US would stand for Tourist investors entering our shores EXEMPT from questioning and INSPECTION BY CUSTOMS!
Lets see what kind of story will be handed to the people of the Cayman Islands by the Premier and the delegation group visiting the UK for Talks with the OT Minister on this week.
Take notice that the delegation called for the Director of the CAA ! Just what I expected. The UK is very much concerned about safety and national and international security. They are also very concerned about Cayman’s reputation internationally. Recent proposals from the Cayman Islands leader and his immigration policy that questions national security safety measures was definitely trashed and burned by the OT Minister during these talks. My interpretation of Mr. Billingham’s statements showing authority in these matters where the UK is concerned; He made it quite clear that these kinds of policies will be written and handed down ONLY by the UK not the Premier!
Maybe they’re actually looking for drugs?
We all need to carefully interpret the reports of the Premier and his delegation’s trip to the UK. trip.
and then ask ourselves some hard questions starting with ‘Why are we so gullible?’.
Apparently the delegation got a good upbraiding in the UK on the national security issue but you can most certainly expect that on their return to the Cayman Islands that they will play it off as if the talks were all about risk management, financing and borrowing. Don’t believe a word of it.
The OT Minister made it quite clear to Big Mac that on matters of national and International security THE UK CALLS THE SHOTS , THEY ALONE WILL DRAFT SUCH IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND NOT BIG MAC!
This kind of information is only privy to those political strategists capable of interpreting the Kings English, Mr. Henry Billingham’s subliminal statements showing his authority over our premier and our ability to interpret advanced philosophical or political science jargon.
Mr. Billingham very brilliantly but humorously covered his sterness with nice comments about Mr. Bush and at the same time issued his orders concerning the national security of the Cayman Islands. Why do you think the CAA, the AG, the accountant, etc. was there? This is the same as the United Nations calling up President Obama and the US Federal Government concerning a serious issue at hand!
Wake up Caymanians something of great importance and concern to the UK is up that’s the reason the entire Heads of our State was called up to the UK for not only talks but to set the records straight, receive their instructions, and be reminded of Who is really in charge and who makes high level International Security decisions like this one recently attempted by our Premier. It was rejected! by the UK.
They did not approve of his immigration proposed policy! Its far too risky! for us and the UK!
Checking for drugs,….. leaving …the …island. *stunned.
Yes, lets keep the drugs INSIDE the country please!