By Shirley Thomas

BEARING the country’s heritage, flowers and the commemorative 50th anniversary logo, 15 new and locally-themed postage stamps were Thursday released in observance of this year’s independence celebrations.The unveiling of the stamps was held at Castellani House (home of the National Art Gallery) in Georgetown by the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s 50th National Commemorative Commission.

The stamps, which are available at post offices countrywide, come in denominations of $80, $130, $150, $160 and $200. The stamps are inspired by reflection; celebration and inspiration and are grouped into three collections: heritage, flowers and the Independence Logo.
Among those gathered to celebrate the occasion were Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Education (Department of Culture, Youth and Sport); Dereck Cummings, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Telecommunication with responsibility for Tourism; Karen Brown, Post Master General; Raphael Massiah, chairman of GPOC; Commissioners of the National Commemorative Commission and diplomats.
The Post Master General noted that 50 years of independence is a significant attainment for Guyana.
“As we reflect on our journey towards nationhood, the post office should be remembered as one of the longest-serving institutions predating 1966,” she said.
Brown said since its establishment in 1782, “this noble entity” (the post office) has been fundamental in Guyana’s development through its mission to help organisations and communities grow by keeping them connected through the transfer of mail, money and information.”
She recalled that 160 years ago, on April 4, 1856, the most valuable stamp in the history of the world – the British Guiana one cent magenta – was printed in Georgetown.
In this regard, Ms. Brown recalled that by June 2014, the stamp was sold for approximately US$9.5 M. This stamp is currently on display at the American Postal Museum in Washington D.C.
Noting that commemorative stamps are perfect memorabilia to celebrate an anniversary or significant event, Ms. Brown said they also attract the interest of philatelists who purchase, sell and store them as valued collectibles.

“Today the post office has evolved into fulfilling a more patriotic role as we often produce stamps that capture and promote Guyana as an independent nation.”
Meanwhile, Mr Cummings concurred with the Post Master General that to celebrate 50 years as an independent nation is an auspicious time in a country’s history.
He said the launch of the stamps was one of great significance, primarily because it served as another way to promote and advertise the attributes of our country, our peoples, our flora and fauna, our mineral resources and landscapes, and our history and our heritage.
“The designs were carefully created, with images blended with beautiful collages of what Guyana is and was over the past 50 years.
“The designs depict our Jaguar, our Victoria Regia, our Heritage Buildings, and those colours make us proud – our shades of red, green, black and gold,” Cummings said.
Minister Henry described the occasion as “historic.”
She said that the stamps could be considered national business cards and a condensed encyclopaedia, for they reflect the true picture of countries from all perspectives, namely its history, civilization, custom, nature, and so on.
Stamps have always been the unsung heroes of a culture, she said, as the images they present on small surfaces are pictorial representations of a country.

The minister admitted that whilst going through the process of familiarising herself with the stamps, she learnt a lot of Guyana’s contribution to the international stamp market.
Guyanese stamps are rare and produced in small quantities, compared to other countries, she said. Therefore, they are thought of as commodities international collectors easily await to be issued. She is hopeful that this collection of stamps is no exception.
The stamps are in limited supply and the minister is urging persons to make their purchases early.