PostOffice Issues Stamps in Support of Non-Profit Organisations
Ms Mona Banks-Jacksonpresents to Mr Kearney Gomez Postmaster General, Ms Mona Banks-Jacksonpresents a framed stamp set to Permanent Secretary, Mr KearneyGomez representing the Hon. Kurt Tibbetts, Minister for Planning,Communications and Works.
The General Post office has issued a numberof souvenir stamps, from which part of the revenue goes to thebenefit of a number of Cayman Islands non-profit organisations.
Fifty cents of the cost of every souvenirsheet featuring this first stamp issue of non-profit organisationswill be equally distributed to the participating groups. The stamps,along with first day cover and souvenir sheet, were released onWednesday, 15 August.
The colourful set includes a 15 cents stamprepresenting the National Council of Voluntary Organisations.This non-profit group assists with projects that single entitiescannot handle on their own. Some of their current endeavours includethe Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home, the John R Grey MemorialScholarship Fund and the Pines Retirement Home.
The Cayman Humane Society, which works forthe prevention of cruelty to animals, is represented by a dog,cat and a bird on the 20 cent stamp. The stamp highlights theimportant message that spaying and neutering saves lives.
To help those who suffer without discriminationand thus contribute to peace in the world is the central purposeof the Red Cross, featured on the 25 cent stamp.
The pink periwinkle flower illustrated onthe 30 cent stamp recognises the Cayman Cancer Society, an organisationthat helps cancer patients and their families.
The final 40-cent stamp represents breastcancer awareness, with the pink ribbon pinned with the Lions Clublogo symbolising efforts of the Tropical Gardens chapter who placea major significance on raising awareness levels regarding thisdisease.
While offering financial support, the newissue will also raise national and international awareness oftheir work.
"We're honoured that our stamp is partof the non-profit issue, especially since it promotes the spay/neuterof dogs and cats which is a priority for the Humane Society. Wehope the stamps, and especially the souvenir sheets, will becomecollectors' items and that the awareness of each non-profit willincrease," said Kim Hammond, who accepted the framed stampset on behalf of the Humane Society.
Elizabeth Walker, of the Red Cross echoesMs Hammond's comment, "This is the first time that the postoffice has had a stamp set featuring non-profit organisations.It's wonderful to be involved!" Ms Walker is especially pleasedthat the Red Cross is represented on the 25 cent stamp, whichis often used on postcards. "So many postcards are sent abroadfrom our Islands which will ensure our stamp is seen all overthe world. The portion of the funds collected will assist us inmaintaining our Cayman presence," she concludes.
To celebrate the unique release, presentationsof framed stamp sets were made to a representative from each non-profitorganisation as well as to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministryof Planning Communications and Works, Mr Kearney Gomez, on behalfof the Hon Kurt Tibbetts and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministryof Community Development, Women's Affairs, Youth and Sports, MrCarson Ebanks, on behalf of the Hon Edna Moyle.
First day covers sell for CI$ 2.10, souvenirsheets for CI$ 1.80 and complete sets for CI$ 5.20. All are availableat post offices throughout the Cayman Islands and the PhilatelicBureau in the Seven Mile Beach Post Office. Anyone interestedin opening a standing order for the purchase of stamp issues,may contact the PhilatelicBureau Manager, Karen McField, at tel: (345) 946-4757, fax: (345)949-4113 or e-mail cistamp@candw.ky