Calypso stamps launched

The Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TT Post) officially launched the Carnival 2004 Stamp Issue in honour of Vintage Calypsonians of Trinidad and Tobago. This took place last Tuesday at The House of Angostura. Edward Hart, Minister of State in the Ministry of Community Development and Culture stated, “This is indeed an appropriate nationalistic gesture, since the year 2004 has been dedicated the year of the ‘Pioneers of Calypso,’ by the National Carnival Commission. “Indeed, the culture of our nation forms a major fabric of who we are and what we are and to ignore this, we will be doing so at our peril.  Today’s launch will therefore stand as a fitting tribute to increasing public sensitivity to the importance of our cultural artistes and their work to the development of our country.” “This is an historic occasion in that we are putting into use the first issue of stamps which commemorate the art of the calypsonian.  The time is right for this gesture, since we are at the height of the Carnival season and the calypsonians of the nation are in full cry.”

Five stamps and a Miniature Souvenir Sheet (which will cost $10.00) features “vintage” calypsonians such as Pretender, the Mystic Prowler, the Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Sparrow, the Roaring Lion, Calypso Rose, Nap Hepburn and Bryner, with the Official First Day Cover featuring Lord Blakie.  The stamps will be in the following denominations: $1.00; $2.50; $3.75; $4.50 and $5.25. Patt Christopher, Chairman of TTPost indicated, “The 2004 Carnival stamp issue is immortalising the musical genius of Trinidad and Tobago’s vintage calypsonians.” In giving the feature address, Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment stressed, “Calypso is a singular art, once described by the late politician Albert Gomes as ‘the newspaper of the people.’ “These stamps are honouring those who found our musical tunes and recited verses in writing. “There is a great deal that our children need to know about the history of the art form and stamps are a wonderful way of teaching and learning. 

The concept of making Art out of a miniature piece of adhesive paper and making it the canvas for commemorating another art form is a brilliant one. We pay tribute to those fallen icons, whose works yet live with us.” Kenny De Silva, NCC Chairman added, “The faces of these singers on stamps that are due to be sent around the world and go into specialist collections, advertise internationally the identification of Trinidad and Tobago with the calypso art form.  The 2004 Carnival Stamp issue can thus be seen as part of the general marketing effort of what Tidco and others have been calling ‘Brand TT.”’