And those local gifts need to be shipped - mostly through BPMS. It was evident today that most people waited until just before Christmas to get their last minute shopping done since BPMS's queue of customers extended for hundreds of feet onto Albert Street, curling around our Channel 7 building.
The estimated wait was at two hours, and those who endured it, advised others to pack snacks, an umbrella, and something to keep them entertained. Cement blocks were placed on the street, presumably as makeshift seats.
And while masks were worn and social distance markers were observed, the lengthy process to pick up only one package in some cases is gruelling.
Channel 7's video editor, Lance Howard, had his own package to pick up today and like everyone else, he spent at least an hour in line. However, he explained that once he was inside, he received his package quickly, and advised others to come prepared by knowing all the details of what they are picking up in order to have a smoother process.
Lance Howard, Ch7 Video Editor
"I waited in line for over an hour and my experience was that once I got inside, they dealt with me pretty quickly but I also noticed that the woman who was in front of me, once she was inside she had to wrap her package, she had to tape it up, she had to label it, and all this started before I got in but my package only took about three minutes. So she was in there for a good five to seven minutes preparing her package while people were outside waiting."
"I think it's really important that people know what they're picking up, the general size and shape of the package,, if they have a picture it's even better, they were asking a lot for pictures, and also that they know the name of who's sending the package to them because I overheard a couple of people saying they don't know who sent them the package. Which then makes it much more difficult I imagine for BPMS to locate."
Lance's advice for those who will line up tomorrow? Well, have a physical description or a photo of the package, because one reason for the slow progress is because the packages are not alphabetically arranged - and they are found based on physical appearance.
Even after BPMS should have closed at 5 this evening, the line was still past our doors. Reports are there was a delay in the shipment from Cayo, which significantly slowed the process.
