Unveiling of Anniversaries Stamp

Series 2005 was very successful

 by Mellica McPherson

 The BVI Post Office unveiled a new series of four stamps on Thursday 17 November to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Beef Island Airstrip, the centenary of Rotary Club international, the 25th anniversary of Social Security, and the 40th anniversary of ZBVI Radio. Representatives from each of the honored entities gave brief remarks at the well attended ceremony.

BVI Social Security Board (SSB) Director Antoinette Skelton (left) receives artwork of 20c. stamp commemorating the Silver Anniversary of the SSB and depicting Joshua Smith first Director of the BVI SSB.  Presenting the artwork is BVI Postmaster General Kevin Smith (r); looking on is BVI  Philatelic Bureau Supervisor Lorna Choucoutou [photo GIS/Rick Evans]

The Social Security 20 cent stamp displays a portrait of Mr. Joshua Smith, the first Director of the Social Security Board. It was also fitting that the 40 cent saluted the fortieth anniversary of ZBVI Radio with a vignette depicting the antenna and its global signal across the world. Exactly fifty years ago, the Beef Island Airstrip was officially opened and what better way to celebrate the golden jubilee  than with a picture of the old Beef Island Airstrip on a 50 cent stamp. Since their inception, the Rotary Club of Tortola and the Rotary Club of Road Town have made valuable contributions to the Territory, and as Rotary International celebrates its 100 year of service above self, it was only proper that a $1 stamp be issued in its honour. All the stamps in the 2005 Anniversaries Series feature the Royal Cypher.

Deputy Financial Secretary (DFS), and Chairperson of the ceremony, Mr. Neil Smith said that the Post Office is aggressively moving towards introducing new products and services.

Mr. Kevin Smith, Postmaster General of the BVI Post explained that the launching of the anniversary stamps signals the beginning of the re-invigoration and new approach to philately. Each stamp, depiction he said, commemorates a significant part of our history that can make us all proud. Mr. Smith pointed out that the anniversary stamps not only symbolize the historic contributions made to our local economy and culture, but they also paint a vivid picture of who we are. "Through philately, our story is told the world over."

Minister of Education, Hon. Lloyd Black spoke at the launching on behalf of Acting Chief Minister, Hon. J. Alvin Christopher. The Education Minister said that Government commends the Postal and Philatelic Services for taking the initiative to release a special set of stamps entitled "Anniversaries 2005." Hon. Black explained that the anniversaries that are featured on the stamps are of occasions that represent turning points for these islands. The Minister mentioned that this month the Territory is celebrating Tourism Month under the theme "BVI Culture and Heritage: sharing our way of life with the world," and the launching of the stamps, Hon. Black explained, was an excellent complement to that.

Member of the Stamp Advisory Committee for the past 18 years, Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca explained that philately ensures that a society's most treasured moments are documented, retrievable and always remembered. Migliavacca, who is also President of the BVI Philatelic Society since its inception in 1985, pointed out that stamps are relevant because they belong to the history of the written word which goes back to Biblical times. He said that future generations will appreciate the efforts to preserve stamps and related collectibles, including old letters, for future generations.

Dr. Migliavacca noted that the first Anniversaries Series was issued in 1993 when, for the first time in BVI history, two black natives  - Dr. Norwell Harrigan and Teacher Stanley Nibbs – were depicted on local stamps. “It was not easy to achieve this important turning point, but through my determination and the decisive approval of other members of the Stamp Advisory Committee the first Anniversaries Series depicted two black natives, and from there on many more natives have been depicted on BVI stamps,” Migliavacca said.

Brief remarks were also made by Mrs. Antoinette Skelton,  Director of the  BVI  Social Security Board, Mr. Harvey Herbert, on behalf  ZBVI, Mr. Denniston Frazer on behalf of the Airport Authority, and Mr. Humphrey Leue on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of the BVI. The representatives were also presented with framed artwork of the pertinent stamp that honoured each of  their organizations.

BVI Postmaster General, Mr. Kevin Smith announced that the Post Office is aiming to educate the community on the values, benefits, pleasures and importance of stamp collecting. Mr. Smith said that the Post Office is seeking to work with the Ministry of Education and Culture to introduce philately to the schools to ensure its vitality and continuation.

Philately is the study and collecting of stamps and other postal materials and collectibles, including old covers and letters. Organized philately in the BVI started in 1985 when the BVI Philatelic Society was established. Persons interested in becoming members of the Society may contact the secretary, Mr. Roger Downing (tel: 494 2763) or send an email to issun@candwbvi.net.

Recent stamp issues, first day covers and related materials can be purchased from the BVI Philatelic Bureau at the General Post Office in Road Town. The Philatelic Bureau is part of the BVI Post Office.

The BVI Philatelic Society is a non profit organization with about 45 BVI-based members and an additional 35 members in USA and Europe. It is a member  of the Inter-American Federation of Philately.