Plans to open a new postal outpost in Cedar Grove have been delayed due to ongoing logistical challenges, specifically the lack of transportation arrangements for staff, Cabinet has confirmed.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst explained that while construction of the facility is complete, the government must ensure adequate transport options are in place before operations can begin.

“If the government moves an office from St John’s to somewhere in rural Antigua, it would be required to provide transportation to its workers,” Hurst said, noting that this is a common concern when relocating public service departments outside the capital.

He added that the issue had not been discussed during the most recent Cabinet meeting but acknowledged the broader challenges facing public sector relocations, including similar requests for transport support by staff previously reassigned to the NTTC Centre.

The Cedar Grove outpost was expected to help decentralise postal services and improve access for residents in the area. However, the delay highlights the logistical complexities involved in expanding government operations into more remote communities.

Hurst reaffirmed the importance of the postal service, describing it as “a very important institution” that continues to play a vital role in national infrastructure. No timeline was given for the resolution of the transportation matter or the formal opening of the new facility.