Negril to have full postal services restored after 2024 post office closure

Jamaica Post says efforts are ongoing to restore full postal services to Negril, Westmoreland, after the town’s post office was closed in July last year because of the building’s deteriorating conditions.

“The leadership of the PTD (Post and Telecommunications Department) wishes to convey that the community of Negril has not been forgotten and the frustration being expressed is noted and understood,” the Jamaica Post said in a statement.

“While much of the delay lies in legal and administrative procedures outside the department’s control, the PTD remains fully engaged, and stands ready to act, that is, renovate the Negril Post Office, the moment final approvals are received from the relevant authorities.”

Caused hardship for residents

It noted that the services of the Negril Post Office were relocated to the Little London Post Office and select services at the Sheffield Post Office that is closer to Negril.

However, it acknowledged that this arrangement may have caused hardship for many residents, particularly the elderly, small business operators, and individuals without easy access to transportation.

It said the PTD has taken several steps to resolve the matter. A suitable temporary location was identified at the Negril Marine Park Headquarters during a site visit on October 15, 2024. The site was chosen for its accessibility, available parking, and minimal renovation requirements.

A formal valuation was requested from the National Land Agency (NLA), which was received on January 26, 2025, and the next day, an agreement was reached with the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society (NCRPS).

On February 17, 2025, the draft agreement was submitted to the NLA by the PTD. However, on April 4, 2025, the agreement was not supported by the NLA. The NLA then initiated a process involving the Negril and Green Island Area Local Planning Authority. A joint site meeting was subsequently held on July 16, 2025, with representatives from the NLA, Negril and Green Island Area Local Planning Authority, and PTD to discuss the process for taking possession of the site.

The NLA is currently awaiting a letter of no objection from Negril and Green Island Area Local Planning Authority, after which, it has indicated, formal approval for PTD to assume possession of the temporary site would be issued within one month of receipt.

After the PTD has taken possession, the space will be retrofitted and postal services restored within four weeks, the statement said.

While the department awaits the requisite approvals from the relevant authorities, it said alternative arrangements are being pursued to restore partial postal services to the Negril community. These arrangements are to be finalised by the Facilities and Property Management Branch, in collaboration with the Regional Management Team and in consultation with the Negril community. The department’s mobile unit is currently non-operational and, as such, was not considered a viable interim option in this instance.