For residents of Portland — particularly the elderly and those without reliable access to digital tools — the post office remains a vital link: to government services, to financial transactions, and to family members at home and abroad.

A visit by The Gleaner to several post offices across the northeastern parish found a steady stream of users relying on the facilities for everyday needs — from paying bills and collecting overseas mail to accessing government benefits and sending packages.

In Buff Bay, one of the parish’s main towns, foot traffic remains consistent. Staff say the location serves as many as 100 residents daily.