KINGSTON - The Bank of Guyana, one day ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations, collaborated with the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), and yesterday unveiled two revenue stamps, which immediately started circulation.
The two revenue stamps valuing $80 and $150 respectively were made available from today at selected post offices countrywide.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, delivering brief remarks, at a simple ceremony, held to recognise the occasion, indicated that the achievement is laudable, because of the extensive work done by the Bank over the years, especially in regulating fiscal and monetary policies in Guyana.
She added that the GPOC joined the Bank in celebrating a partnership, which exists with other institutions in the public space. This started from the housing of the British Caribbean Currency Board’s Office to current inter-party services, such as banking, bulk postage and the granting of several licences, such as the money order licence.
“The key in this economy is service, and as service providers, we must forge effective and lasting partnerships built on trust, integrity, and reciprocity. The service sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in most economies, and we must all ensure that we provide services of quality,” Minister Ferguson explained.
The GPOC has been touting the expansion of its range of services to include e-commerce and integrated financial services, especially for rural and riverain areas. It is in this regard that the Bank will be a key partner in assisting with the realisation of these aspirations, the Minister pointed out.
“No doubt, the Bank of Guyana will create the enabling framework for the delivery of such services, ensuring the right oversight, as we lay the pillars of economic resilience in Guyana. And this is a task to which we must be committed, both as providers and consumers of services. There must be of necessity, a level playing field, and the Guyana Post Office is willing to leverage its vast network of branches, to support the Bank of Guyana, in providing the leadership to ensure financial stability in Guyana,” Ferguson said.
Dr. Gobind Ganga, Governor of the Bank, in delivering brief remarks, said that event commemorated the second stamp, since the establishment of the Bank, and is one of many planned to observe the institution’s 50th anniversary.
The stamps were chosen with the theme of “Promoting Financial Development for Guyana’s Prosperity” as this captures the past, the present and the future roles of the Bank, in fostering monetary and financial stability, not only for the welfare of the people, but for sustainable growth and development of the country.
“The cover shows the stamps and building of the Bank, which is an iconic landmark in Georgetown, since it was opened in 1966. The stamps and cover serve not only as treasured pieces of the Bank’s history in its contribution to Guyana’s development, but also as a testimony, as an institution that reflects the tenacity of an independent people,” Ganga explained.
Abdul Hassan, GPOC Post Master General (ag), congratulated the bank on its golden jubilee, stating that the attainment of 50 years is a significant milestone, and the commemorative stamps form the perfect souvenir to mark the anniversary .
“ These stamps are treated internationally as valuables, a case in point is the British Guiana one-cent stamp, printed locally, issued in 1856, and which is one of the world’s most expensive and rarest stamps, sold last year at an auction for approximately US$9M, this stamp follows the same pattern,” Hassan outlined. He was referring to the British Guiana 1 cent Magenta stamp.
