in celebration of World Post Day on October 9.

During the week, staff at the Island's post offices will be "reinforcing'' their mission to collect, process and deliver the mail as economically and quickly as possible -- "to protect economic and social development''.

Assistant postmaster general Mrs. Velda Smith said the week was being held to make the public "fully aware'' of the post office's role, show how to address mail and how to place stamps on it in an effort to minimise processing time and thus speed up delivery.

The week's activities include the official opening at the Airmail Facility at Kindley Field Road, St. George's and visits to branch offices by MPs and schools.

World Post Day has been held every year since 1874 when it was founded by the Universal Postal Union in Berne, Switzerland.