Friday, July 21, 2006

Elisa Buller captures one of the images used on the post office's latest issue.

Reflecting why the Cayman Islands are a well-known dive destination the latest issue by the post office is entitled 'Cayman's Aquatic Treasures,' and is bound to have collectors worldwide clamouring to add it to their collections.

The stamps reflect the brilliance of a few of the Islands' underwater residents and their pristine waters. The six-set issue is scheduled was released on Tuesday, 18 July, and the post office said it was important for two reasons.

Firstly it is the first set of stamps to be released after the rate increase, and secondly it is the first time since 1996 that the Post Office has dedicated a issue to marine life, said Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow.

"Although the Quincentennial stamp issue included a couple of fish, this commemorative issue is dedicated to our islands' marine life. Our collectors have requested marine life for quite some time now. So I expect Cayman's Aquatic Treasures to be a very popular issue," she added.

Pictures taken by Richard Brooks and Elisa Buller, who were both employed by Little Cayman Beach Resort, were selected for this issue. Although Ms Buller is no longer on the Island, Mr. Brooks is still on Little Cayman and he is pleased with the issue.

"I am proud of that our photos were selected for this issue. The Cayman Islands has such a rich selection of marine life one can't help but want to photograph it. The fact that our stamps are being used is the highlight of my career. I am sure that Elisa feels the same way," he said.

The six species pictured in Cayman's Aquatic Treasures are: Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) 25˘, Grey Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) 25˘, Queen Angelfish (Holocanthus ciliaris) 60˘, Diamond Blenny (Malacoctenus boehlkei) 75˘, and Juvenile Spotted Drum (Equetus punctatus) $1.00, with the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) on the First Day Cover. The series also includes postcards and self-adhesive postage stamps.

Cayman's Aquatic Treasures can be purchased from the Philatelic Bureau or any Post Office. First Day Covers with stamps are CI$3.65 and the souvenir sheet costs CI$2.85.

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