The Post and Telecommunications Department has responded to an article titled '$500,000 stolen in mail' which was published in THE STAR on Tuesday, October 5.

The department, in a release, clarified that while the building that houses the post office had been burgled before; it was, however, the first time that the Mandeville Post Office itself was burgled.

The department said that in relation to the claim of the missing "$500,000 in cash and cheque", the customer received his cheque, Monday afternoon, October 4. "There was no compensation for the alleged missing cash, as the item was sent by ordinary mail and according to Universal Postal Union regulations, items of value sent by ordinary mail do not attract compensation," the release said. The department said while it is disappointed that the article was published without all the relevant facts, it is "happy that THE STAR and, by extension, the Gleaner Company Limited have allowed us to address our concerns".

The management and staff of the department also stated that they take their job very seriously and each day make every effort to handle with care and protect all mail items held in trust for their valued customers.

"The department welcomes feedback from the public and is more than willing to address their concerns once they are brought to our attention. Members of the public are invited to call our customer-service line at 922-9448, toll free 1-888-JAMPOST begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-888-JAMPOST      end_of_the_skype_highlighting (1-888-526-7678) or email us at info@jamaicapost.gov.jm," the release said.