public services

Cotel bill creates rift

Postal and shipping companies expressed "uncertainty and anxiety" over the draft of a bill aimed at regulating the postal system.

Members of the Asociación de Transporte de Encomiendas y Paquetes a Nivel Nacional e Internacional (Atepani) have accused the Dirección de Correos y Telégrafos (Cotel), the national postal service, of attempting to convert itself into a body that will act as both "judge and jury" for the other companies in the sector.

The general secretary of Atepani, Helmut Flores, said he was particularly concerned about the fines and penalties proposed by the bill, and disliked the double role the new Oficina de Regulación de los Servicios Postales would play.

Atepani argued that Cotel, developed the bill several months ago, has ignored its recommendations for modifications.

Marta Amado, directora de Correos y Telégrafos, denied Atepani's accusations, and insisted that the bill aims is to "bring order to the Panamanian postal service, which has become obsolete."

In a letter addressed to Atepani secretary Flores, Amado explained that the bill's intention is to "free up the market and offer clients better service." Amado also invited members of the 30 companies comprising Atepani to participate in a more formal discussion.