First Class Mail

Published 6th August 2006, 3:58pm

The price for mailing first-class mail both locally and internationally will increase effective next month.

The local rate will go from 15¢ to 25¢ per ounce. The new international rates, which have not been increased since 1991, are as follows: Group A, 75¢, Group B, 80¢ and Group C, $1 per half ounce. Group A covers the United States, Canada, some Caribbean countries and Central America. Group B comprises most of Europe, while Group C includes Australia, South Africa, China and Japan. The cost of placing flyers in post boxes will also increase from 7¢ to 15¢.

The Financial Secretary, the Hon Kenneth Jefferson, announced the new rates during the Budget Debate on 28 August.

Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow encouraged postal customers to know what countries the groups cover by purchasing Postal Regulations at the Legislative Assembly. For instance, Group A covers some Caribbean islands but not all, as some are found in Group B.

There is no need to worry about stamp wastage, as the Post Office has an ample stock of 10¢ stamps to combine with the 15¢ stamps, or the 15¢ stamp could be used with the 60¢ to make up Group A's rate.

"We are also releasing a new commemorative issue, titled Cayman's Aquatic Treasures, on 18 July, which takes the new rates into account," Ms Glasgow said.

For further information contact: Corporate Communications