Postmaster General Joel Brathwaite (left) presented the commemorative stamps to President of the Barbados National Trust, Dr. Karl Watson (centre) and Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley.
Commemorative stamps unveiled
9/14/2012
By Kerri Gooding
Officially released in July, four joint commemorative stamps marking the 50th Anniversary of the Barbados National Trust (BNT) and the UNESCO inscription of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison as World Heritage properties were unveiled to the public on Wednesday evening.
The unveiling occurred at the Barbados Postal Service and is one way by which the postal service seeks to honour the significant moment in the country’s history. The stamps showcase the Gun Hill Signal Station, St. Mary’s Church, The Public Library and the Main Guard Clock Tower.
Dr. Karl Watson, President of the Barbados National Trust, said that an initiative such as this should shed light on the importance of the World Heritage inscription. He believes that the general public are not on board like they should be and therefore actions of this nature should bring the significance to the fore.
According to the BNT President, stamps are an educational tool. Through stamps, people are able to learn about cultures and the geography of places which they would not have otherwise been able to see or visit. For a philatelist, he said, stamps are ways to learn and explore.
Watson also noted that the stamps can act as landmarks showcasing the heritage and ancient buildings, and can be considered guide posts for the future. He noted that through stamps in this case, the history in these monuments and buildings is being preserved.
Beyond its concern for the preservation of built heritage, Dr. Watson also pointed to the Trust’ concern for natural heritage such as the landscape and flora. He called for more of these stamps in the future just as they were created in the past.
Postmaster General Joel Brathwaite lauded the Barbados National Trust for playing a vital role in the preservation of Barbados’ heritage. He too echoed the sentiments of Dr. Watson, saying that through the commerative stamps, people will see the depictions of important aspects of Barbadian history as portrayed by local artists.
