The Tribune

MINISTER of State in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Hope Strachan said the postal service must be reformed if it is to remain relevant.

This is due in large part, she said, to changes in technology and instantaneous forms of communication which have virtually wiped out conventional forms of mail delivery.

"In order to be relevant, we must find ways to achieve profitability on a sustainable basis," Mrs Strachan said while contributing to the 2012-2013 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly. "A commercialised postal service that offers a variety of postal products and services is the direction we must move in."

She then turned to the Road Traffic Department, acknowledging that revenue receipts are down and allegations of dishonesty and corruption have been levelled against the department.

"These allegations are under active investigation," she said. "It is important to determine how we can resolve systemic weaknesses which provide the conditions for this type of activity to flourish."

Mrs Strachan added: "In the meantime, we have moved swiftly and in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance and have already established a treasury receipting system to replace the previous.

"This protocol should tighten the collection of the various categories of licensing and inspection fees and ensure accountability and transparency."

It is anticipated, Mrs Strachan said, that the same system is to be implemented at the outposts on Carmichael Road and at Fort Charlotte.

"It is important that the revenue collection from this sector is improved if we are to do our part to pay for the modernisation of our roads and transport systems and to create a safer environment for the motoring public," she said.

Mrs Strachan pointed out that in 2011, 56 persons died on the streets of the Bahamas and between 2007 and 2011, there were a total of 251 fatalities.

"While we are able to number the deaths and injuries, it is impossible to calculate the untold suffering associated with this carnage," she said.