"haphazard, hazardous and erratic'' mail delivery.

And to celebrate the founding of the Universal Postal Union -- which conceived the idea of uniformed international rates and regulations -- Thursday will be recognised as World Post Day.

All around the globe, postal workers will devote themselves to the Union's mission statement of "delivering the mail as efficiently and as effectively as possible''.

But for this Island the commemoration will be spread over five days.

Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow announced that this week will be considered as the third annual Post Office Awareness Week.

And to acknowledge the occasion, the Bermuda Post Office will dedicate the week to the theme of "The Postal Service -- Communicating with the World''.

Mr. Crichlow said: "It is a time for self-examination (of the local postal service), of re-dedication. A time to critique our performance, to examine what we are doing and how well or how badly we are fulfilling our mission.'' There will be a number of activities throughout the week which will aim to educate the public on "the institution they love to hate''.

The week officially opened yesterday at a reception in the General Post Office lobby at 5.30 p.m.

For the next four days, all post offices will be open for tours to the general public and schools between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Post office staff will be on hand during this time to give "behind the scenes'' tours and to explain why the mail is not always delivered as efficiently as desired.

They will also explain the importance of properly addressing letters, erecting mailboxes and securing household animals.

The primary school colouring contest will be judged and the post office mascot Patty the Package will be roaming around the General Post Office throughout school visits.

In addition, staff members will be on the Power 95 radio station with the objective of promoting the local postal service as well the week's events.

Special stamps commemorating the golden anniversary of The Queen and Prince Philip will also be available for the first time this week.

A $2 stamp and a $.30 stamp will be available. One set will cost $2.30.

The first day cover charge will be $3.50 and a souvenir sheet will be available for $2.30.

A limited amount of first day cover stamps with souvenir sheets will be available for $3.50.