Mail delays in the United States are hitting some of the Island's small businesses hard in the pocket.

And one local businessman has suggested the situation is so bad that Government should make an appeal to US officials to push Bermuda's mail through more quickly.

The businessman - who asked not to be named - said that cheques and shipments he routinely sends to the United States from his small business have not been getting through and delays are costing him business.

Sometimes it might take six weeks for a cheque or parcel mailed from Bermuda to arrive at its US destination, he said.

Operating an importer-distributions business, he said it is crucial for his operations that the mail arrive at its destination in a timely fashion.

He said he had inquired about the lengthy delays with the Bermuda Post Office only to be told that the new security measures put in place in the United States after the September terrorist attacks are the source of the hold up.

"They (the Bermuda Post Office) were very polite and very helpful," he said. "But at the end of the day there is nothing they can do about it."

Last night Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow said unfortunately, the situation was completely out of Bermuda's control.

"I get the mail out to them within 24 hours," he said. "I would love it have it arrive at its destination that quickly. But (the Americans) have safety measures in place which are solely within their discretion."

Mr. Crichlow also said appealing to the US government for special treatment for Bermuda would be unlikely to produce any change in American policy.

"Regardless of what any other administration says, the US post office does what it has to do to protect their country," he said.

"I can't tell them how to handle their security. No other administration can."

Unfortunately, for the small businessman the only solutions available to avoid the delays are costly wire transfers or courier services.

"So much of my business is transacted by mail," the businessman said. "These $30 charges really add up. Thirty dollars against the 70 cents it takes to mail a cheque is a big difference. The costs could get really out of hand."

Additionally, he said the delays were having a negative effect on his reputation as a businessman.

"They think I am trying to play a game with them when I say I have sent payment and it doesn't get there," he said.

"I'm not sure if anything can be done about but I'd like to know if it is going to be a temporary thing or a permanent thing.

"It's very difficult to conduct business without confidence in the mail."