The 250th anniversary of Mauritius Post Ltd was celebrated during a ceremony at the Caudan Arts Centre on Saturday, on World Post Day. The Prime Minister, who was the guest of honour, praised the innovative and resilient spirit of the institution. He explained that this institution has never stopped innovating and reinventing itself. He recalled that Mauritius was the first British colony and the fifth country in the world to launch British stamps of world renown. “The post was an essential element of communication. Postal activities have been the backbone of its development, from newspaper delivery to delivery services,” he said. He added that the Post has been a key instrument in the globalisation of the Internet. He said that the post office brings the world closer together, allows the government to make pension payments and even transfer money. For him, the post office is reinventing itself and entering a phase of digitalisation. He praised its remarkable resilience.
The ceremony was also marked by the launching of the First Day Cover for the 175th anniversary of the Post Office stamps, by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin.
The milestone of the Mauritius Postal Services of attaining 250 years of existence was celebrated with the launching of a logo, the unveiling of a stele, and a commemorative plate.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underlined the privilege for the country to be the first British Colony to issue the Red and Blue Penny Stamps and to feature among the few countries to have issued world-renowned stamps.
Mr Jugnauth also announced that the services of the Mauritius Post may be extended in the future to the Chagos Archipelago as well.
As for Minister Balgobin, he remarked that the celebrations to mark the twin events,. Nonamely the landmark anniversary of the creation of the postal services in Mauritius and the 175th celebration of the renowned “Post Office” Blue and Red Penny, are being held in the context of the “World Post Day”.
Mr Balgobin further informed that Mauritius Post has recently requested from a consultant, a 10-Year Restructuring and Strategic Plan, with the objective to pursue its reinvention along new strategies to offset the setback suffered lately by the COVID-19 impact with the closure of borders whereby international businesses were affected, causing large reduction in revenues, and impacting its profitability.
The event concluded with a symbolic ceremony to honour the long service of five employees who received an award for their dedication.
Winners of an essay writing and a drawing and painting competitions that were held as part of the activities marking the event, each received an award.
Painting and writing competition for Grade 5 and 6 Students
Frivet Colleen Marion was awarded the first prize, that is Rs 5,000, whilst the third prize, Rs 2,000, was remitted to Arnirvan Moloo. The second prize, a cash prize of Rs 3,000 was conferred to Taksheel Goodur.
Essay competition for grade 12 and 13 students
Ayushana Surdha was proclaimed the winner of the competition and won a cash prize of Rs 8,000. Elie Gail Yael Aristide was awarded the second prize, that is Rs 3,000, and Retoo Greedharry obtained the third prize, that is a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
