New stamps released by Philatelic Bureau

On Wednesday the Belize Postal Service will be releasing three new stamps commemorating the fiftieth anniversaries of two very important institutions; the University of the West Indies and the Organization of American States. In 1948, twenty-one nations met in Bogota, Colombia and signed the OAS Charter that committed each member country to a common goal and respect for each nation’s sovereignty. Forty three years later in 1991, Belize officially became a member of the OAS That membership has not only achieved international recognition for the country, but the OAS has funded a number of projects for the betterment of Belizean students. Hundreds of Belizeans have also benefited from the studies they have completed at the University of the West Indies. Emelia Cayetano, supervisor of the Belize Philatelic Bureau, offered details.

Emelia Cayetano, Supervisor, Belize Philatelic Bureau

“In a project begun in 1997, the Organization of American States provided computer equipment and training to enable Belize high schools to link to the Internet via the free connection provided to each school. Thirty-two high schools and affiliated institutions were included in this project and each school receives networking components and a modem to link their computer labs to the Internet.

Since the 1950’s, a little over five hundred Belizeans have graduated from the U.W.I., two thirds with degrees and the remaining with certificates and diplomas. Over seventy of these with certificates studied here through the university’s distance education program. Law, medicine, engineering and education are the areas that have attracted the majority of Belizeans.”

Also on sale tomorrow will be the OAS first day cover. According to Cayetano, the envelope, which sells for two dollars and twenty five cents, makes a perfect gift for stamp collectors.