Blended into the Fijian society
NOT a lot of companies or entities can boast 150 years of service, according to Post Fiji board chairman Lawrence Tikaram. He said Post Fiji had grown and blended into the fabric of Fijian society since its earliest days December 2, 1871 when the legislation was passed by government then to provide postal services in Fiji.
"For us it means a lot because what it does show the world is that the little country, the jewel in the Pacific, has managed to reach out to 198 postal countries that we deal with and over time has provided immense service and contribution to the economic wellbeing of Fiji," he said.
"We boast 58 outlets, we're almost 95 per cent online with our services, we've grown from strength to strength."
He said the company had moved from the analog system to a professional online system.
"And to have 150 years as part of that and be part of the 150 years celebration is historic.
"And we'll pray credit to all the past men, women of Post Fiji all former executives, board members, CEOs who help shape us in the journey.
"Having said that we must not forget the support of government has been immense and has transformed what is now truly, an international platform where we can continue to provide the best of services amongst the most challenging of times and we're good to say that during the pandemic, we're tested, retested right to the wire.
"But we held our ground, we held our ground enough to ensure that we continue our services, we did not put any of the staff off, we did not have any layoffs, we didn't have any redundancies, we didn't have the salary or wages cut."
He added the infrastructure was set up for the future and Post Fiji can grow from strength to strength.
"We are looking at remodelling most of our stores in the future and that will come over the next two to three years, most of our shops will be expanded to take in, the norm of society now where people want everything, at their fingertips.
"So a lot more electronic consoles, a lot more speed to market services, even reshaping the way the shop looks I think that's important. Because what it does tell us is that if we don't shape ourselves now that the future will shape it for us, so we need to be ahead of the game.
"And we're looking at international platforms, we are looking at postal money app something like M-PAISA, or Flashcash.”
Post Fiji has 58 outlets around the country and according to Mr Tikaram they had a very high touch point model which meant they had a distinct advantage over everybody else.
"And of course, with the support of government now we will try and get that organised in the near future.
"But again, having financial inclusivity is a big part of our expansion and looking at broad and bigger partners as well, I think that will work well for the company."
Lawrence Tikaram, the board chairman, speaks at the dinner.