Jan. 27, 2004 – Residents with complaints, concerns or even compliments relating to U.S. Postal Service operations in the Virgin Islands are invited to share them with Delegate Donna M. Christensen "for the record" Monday at teleconferenced meetings on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Christensen is hosting what she's calling a "listening session" concurrently at the St. Croix Curriculum Center in Kingshill and at the St. Thomas downtown Education Department teleconference center, beginning at 6:30 p.m. At each of the centers, there will be an audiovisual hookup with the other, allowing for interactive communication.
According to a release sent from the delegate's Washington office on Tuesday, the session is aimed at soliciting public opinion on problems within the V.I. postal system. "We want to obtain for the record the many comments that we have received on postal operations in the territory and the challenges faced by our residents in regards to the mail," she said.
Last fall, the Postal Service announced plans to consolidate operations and downsize its work force nationwide that involved planned layoffs in the territory and the processing of all V.I. mail, even inter-island postings, through Puerto Rico. Christensen subsequently said in November that the U.S.P.S. Caribbean Region district manager had assured her there would be no job losses in the territory; however, concerns about mail service remained.. (See "Delegate: Postal official says no V.I. layoffs".)
Last summer, Christensen hosted a similar teleconferenced community forum on prescription drugs, Medicare and prescription drug card plans. That event, held on the campuses of the University of the Virgin Islands, was part of a nationwide initiative by Democratic members of Congress to call attention to differences between Republican and Democratic health care proposals for senior citizens.
The release stated that for the record constituents also may submit comments to the delegate in writing, or submit them directly to the Postal Service on the U.S.P.S. Web site or by calling (800) ASK-USPS / (800) 275-8777.
For more information, call Lenny James in the delegate's St. Croix office at 778-5900.
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