US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp announced Oct. 26 that his administration is working to address the severe bottleneck of sending and receiving mail through the United States Postal Service.

Mapp said his team is seeking to address the postal delays by having mail routed directly from the mainland instead of through Puerto Rico, where letters and packages are currently stuck.

“We have contacted the White House, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the USPS to identify short- and long-term solutions,” said Mapp, who explained that at least two shipping containers of mail are delayed in Puerto Rico.

The governor reported that delays with passport processing are also impacted by the situation in San Juan and are currently being addressed through the U.S. State Department.

“We will keep the community updated about our progress but this matter is a high priority,” he assured.