Anthony Goodfellow's parting shot at the General Post Office was a hit for his listening audience at a business luncheon yesterday.

But it provoked a swift and rousing condemnation from Postmaster General Cleveland Crichlow.

Mr. Goodfellow, the outgoing chairman of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce's International Companies Division, told the luncheon that the General Post Office was not doing a good job.

He said: "One matter which is of vital importance is the postal service about which we had meetings with the Postmaster General in 1995.

"It has not improved and the fact that the Shadow Minister of Finance's invitation to this (luncheon) took 11 days to reach him is but one example of what happens all too often. It will be a matter of priority for the ICD in 1997.'' When The Royal Gazette contacted Eugene Cox at home he said he was surprised to see the incident used in Mr. Goodfellow's speech.

"I was a bit surprised to see it,'' he said. "I got the invitation on (September 20) and when I opened it I discovered that I was supposed to have replied that same day.

"I called the next day (September 21) and said that I only got it the day before. I told them by phone that I was coming God willing.'' Mr. Cox said that he was nonplussed to hear the incident described at the luncheon because there could have been many logical and justified reasons for the delay such as it having been misplaced.

"I don't think he should have used it,'' Mr. Cox continued. "I don't believe we should be showing up our civil servants in that light unless the matter has been researched and proven to be their fault.'' Meanwhile, Mr. Crichlow did not take kindly to the criticism aimed at his workers who did not have any chance to respond to the allegations before they were made public yesterday afternoon.

Initially he said: "I could not really give you any idea why this happened.

But before I make any comment I would like to do some research.'' But ten minutes later Mr. Crichlow, clearly irritated, called back a Royal Gazette reporter and said: "I want you to come up here and sit down with me so that I can tell you all the problems I have had with the Chamber of Commerce and their International Companies Division.

"I have a list of exempt companies that are all housed in one building with no name on them so you can understand the kind of problems we face when it comes to delivering their mail. I have an answer for that man but I will give that to you on a later date and you can quote me on that.'' See stories on pages 8 and 33 CONFERENCE CON BUSINESS BUC