A series of activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Mauritius Post Limited (MPL) was announced on Friday, by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr. Darsanand Balgobin. He was speaking at a press conference held in presence of the CEO of the MPL, Mr. Giandev Moteea, at the Pierre Nicolas Lambert Gallery, Musée postal, Port-Louis Waterfront in Port-Louis.
Minister Balgobin stated that by celebrating 250 years of existence the MPL has achieved a milestone, which he underpinned is a matter of pride for the country as well. One key activity to mark this special day, he added, will be the launching of a new logo for the MPL as well as the First Day Cover of the 250th anniversary of the MPL. The occasion will also be marked with the 175th anniversary of the production of Red and Blue Penny stamps in Mauritius along with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The event will be held on the 08 October 2022 in presence of Prime Minister, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, to mark at the same time the World Post Day, celebrated each year on 09 October.
Mr. Balgobin recalled that the MPL started operating on 21 December 1772 and spoke about the first postage stamps produced, namely the Red Penny and Blue Penny which are today internationally famous and among the rarest postage stamps in the world.
He underlined the evolution of the MPL into an institution that today contributes to the economic development of the country, with the additional services it offers such as the RIA Money Transfer Service. He also highlighted that the MPL was of considerable help to ensure the distribution of the monthly old age pension at home during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Furthermore, the Minister reiterated the need for MPL to innovate its services to be able to cater for the needs of its clients. In addition, he announced that his Ministry has catered for the elaboration of a strategic report for way forward of the MPL for the next ten years, in order to improve its operations, increase its revenue, and enhance its services.
Other activities on the agenda to mark the event are:
- Beach clean-up activities, donations in elderly homes, open day in various MPL branches, planting of endemic trees across the island;
- An exhibition to showcase the major events that marked the history of the postal services in Mauritius from its origin at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port-Louis; and
- A painting and essay competition for grade 5 and 6 students.
