Representing Barbados at the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress are: (from left) Deputy Postmaster General, Mr. Cecil Benjamin, Ambassador to UAE, H.E. Dr. Annalee Babb, Deputy Chief of Mission – UAE, Mr. Andre Padmore and Executive Assistant – UAE, Ms. Mariam Al Theraawi. (Photo courtesy Barbados Postal Service)
Barbados emerged among the countries elected to two Councils of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), during the Union’s 28th Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This election to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) marks a momentous achievement in the island’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation in the global postal sector.
Securing a seat on these two prestigious Councils simultaneously reflects global recognition of the nation’s commitment to postal modernization and leadership in sustainable development as well as its strategic vision in general.
Congress, held every four years, is the global assembly for the one hundred and ninety-two (192) member states to convene to shape the future of the postal services across the world.
A Voice at the Global Table
The Council of Administration is responsible for overseeing the work of the UPU between Congress sessions, ensuring compliance with global requirements and promoting best practices. The Postal Operations Council, meanwhile, focuses on technical and operational standards that shape the global postal supply chain – from innovation to efficiency, and digital transformation.
Barbados, as a member of both Councils, will:
- Participate in high-level policy decisions that affect the global postal network;
- Advocate for the needs and interests of small island developing states and the Caribbean region; and
- Contribute to the development of new postal technologies, e-commerce frameworks and climate-resilient postal infrastructures.
Indeed, it was a remarkable Congress for SIDS as Barbados is joined by other island nations worldwide that gained election to one or other of the Councils – Cabo Verde, Cuba, Fiji, Madagascar, Samoa and Seychelles.
National Pride, Regional Leadership
Minister of Home Affairs and Information, the Honourable Wilfred Abrahams S.C. M.P., welcomed the news, stating:
“This is a proud and transformative moment for Barbados. Our election to these two critical bodies is a testament to the hard work of the Barbados Postal Service’s team, our diplomats and our regional partners. We stand ready to bring a bold, forward-thinking Caribbean perspective to the global stage.”
Barbados was ably represented at Congress in Dubai by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Ms. Wendy Odle; Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), H.E. Dr. Annalee Babb; Deputy Postmaster General – International Postal Affairs and Business Development, Mr. Cecil Benjamin; Deputy Chief of Mission – UAE, Mr. Andre Padmore; and Executive Assistant, Ms. Mariam Al Theraawi.
The island’s election also underscores Barbados’ strategic efforts to digitize public services, promote regional integration and enhance trade facilitation through modern postal systems. The achievement aligns with the commitment of the Government of Barbados to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to infrastructure, innovation and partnerships.
Barbados’ participation in the UPU’s Councils will run for the next four (4) years, during which the country is expected to play an active role in shaping resilient postal services globally.
Author: Public Relations
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/small-nation-global-reach/
