Philatelists can add another sticky, square, colorful, proof of tax payment to their list of collector’s items in demand.
One reason is that their hobby of hoarding stamps recently received national attention when the Jamaican government commissioned its postal system to issue a commemorative postage marker in honor of the islands 60th anniversary of independence.
“There is always need for commemorative stamps because our athletes, our artists, our creatives will always shine in the world; and will give you reason to produce the wonderful collection of Jamaican stamps that you’re known for…” Olivia Grange, minister of Gender, Culture, and Sports said recently.
A former philatelist, she said “I used to collect stamps as a youngster — don’t know where they are now — but I can encourage everyone in this room: collect these stamps because they’re going to be valuable. Particularly at this time when everything is going digital.”
During a launch ceremony in Kingston, Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to collect the diamond jubilee keepsake she said in time will exceed its initial value.
Also endorsing the issue, Lincoln Allen, postmaster general said “we are pleased to have been commissioned to procure and issue the Jamaica 60th Independence stamp set, which forms part of the wider series of Jamaica’s official celebratory activities to mark our Diamond Jubilee.”
Now available in denominations of $60 and $120, the stamp features the official logo of Jamaica 60 in a design which he said represents the “creativity, boldness and greatness of us as a people.”
“It is therefore fitting that in this year of our diamond jubilee that a commemorative stamp be commissioned to mark this important milestone in Jamaica’s history.”
JAMAICANS RE-IGNITING ON AUG. 6 FOR GREATNESS
Jamaicans residing throughout the world are gearing to flaunt the black, green and gold colors of their flag on Aug. 6 in commemoration of their trailblazing achievement of attaining self-governance in 1962.
Already evident from activities held prior to the anniversary, a year-long calendar of global celebrations of six decades of independence is being observed under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness.’
Here, a flag-raising ceremony at Brooklyn’s Borough Hall is slated to continue a tradition of hailing the nation in public spaces throughout New York City.
Beginning at 9 a.m. a festooned plaza in the heart of downtown Brooklyn will feature cultural presentations, tributes and culinary delights to honor the milestone achievement. In previous years, the Jamaican banner has been raised in four of the five boroughs where Jamaicans predominantly reside.
From the Bowling Green Wall St. setting in Manhattan, Queen’s State Supreme Court, a church site in the Bronx and most frequently in Brooklyn, Jamaicans have hoisted their colors from some of the highest flag poles in the City.
In addition, annually they have echoed the words to the “Jamaica Land We Love’ anthem during annual Thanksgiving services hosted by churches throughout the boroughs.
“Eternal father, bless our land…guide us with your mighty hand…keep us free from evil powers…be our light through countless hours…”
This year, Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene located at 971 East 227th St. will host a congregation of celebrants on Aug. 7 at 4 p.m.
Braata Productions slates their own revelry on Aug. 6 at York Performing Arts Center in Queens with a day-long festival of all things cultural and Caribbean.
According to founder Andrew Clarke, in addition to saluting Jamaica 60th anniversary, the performance group comprised of Caribbean nationals from various islands will also acknowledge the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
He said that on the date his company of players will combine celebration of the first two Caribbean countries to secede from British rule, by offering “a unique opportunity to showcase our rich and diverse cultural heritage with the residents of the borough and its environs.”
The actor, singer and dancer said his hopes are that “the Festival provides a chance for New Yorkers to experience the folk culture of the islands and sample its unique cuisine.”
J.C. Lodge is booked to reminisce the glory years she enjoyed singing the beat of her Jamaica island-nation while twin islander Marva Newton will hail the milestone achievements of Trinidad & Tobago on Aug. 31 when it declared independence from Britain.
“We look forward to the support of the Queens community and the wider New York Tri-State area to ensure the Festival’s success.”
Florida slates an Emancipendence event on Aug. 6 billed “Ole Time Flair.” The free event in Miramar will be hosted by Mayor Wayne M. Messam.
And one week following the historic anniversary date, on Aug. 13, Jamaican Parliamentarian Lisa Hanna will headline gala guests to Atlanta’s annual black-tie all in Georgia.
Other celebratory commemorations include a thanksgiving service in Maryland. Hosted by the Jamaican embassy in Washington D.C., that event is billed for July 31. Numerous celebratory events are slated for Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey and cities upstate.
Catch You On The Inside!
