Honoring Barbados Centenarians: A Unique Stamp Tribute

This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.

2016 the Barbados Postal Service unveiled an extraordinary stamp issue dedicated to honouring the island’s centenarians. This collection was aptly named “Centenarians of Barbados.” It celebrated the lives of 27 individuals who reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years or more. This initiative highlighted these venerable citizens. It marked a significant moment in Barbados’ history. This coincided with the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Celebrating Longevity and Legacy

The Concept Behind the Tribute

Deborah Small is the Manager of the Philatelic Bureau at the General Post Office. She explained that this unique issue was released on December 8, 2016. The idea was to create a tribute recognising the centenarians’ contributions to Barbados. The issue received widespread attention and interest. Many customers showed up to acquire the commemorative stamps, and queries about the stamps poured in steadily.

Selection of the Centenarians

The 27 centenarians featured in this stamp issue were carefully chosen. They represent various backgrounds and professions, ensuring a diverse cross-section of the island’s population. Twenty individuals were 100 years old. The remaining seven were classified as super and semi-super centenarians. They were aged 105 to 110 years or more. Notable figures included the late James Sisnett, who lived to 113, and the late Emily Clarke, who reached 110.

Availability and Public Engagement

Accessing the Stamps

The commemorative stamps were made available at post offices across the island, priced at the affordable local postage rate of 65 cents. This pricing strategy ensured the stamps were accessible to all, allowing friends, relatives, and collectors to obtain them easily. Although designed for local use, these stamps could also be used in international mail by combining multiple stamps to meet the necessary postage requirements.

Duration of Availability

The stamps were available for three months at general post offices and for one year at the Philatelic Bureau. This limited-time availability added to their desirability and collectibility, making them a treasured memento for many.

Linking Personal and National Milestones

The release of the “Centenarians of Barbados” stamp issue had strategic timing. It aligned with the 50th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence. This connection underscored the importance of the centenarians’ contributions to the nation’s development over the decades. These individuals witnessed and played active roles in shaping modern Barbados.

An Iconic Collection

Deborah Small highlighted that the stamp issue was exceptional due to the unusually high number of stamps included. Typically, commemorative problems do not feature such extensive collections. This decision reflected the profound respect and recognition for the centenarians’ extraordinary lives, making this release a landmark in the history of Barbados’ postal service.

Sources

TwistedSifter. (2018, January). Centenarians of Barbados stamp issue. Retrieved from https://twistedsifter.com/2018/01/centenarians-of-barbados-stamp-issue/#google_vignette

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