GOJ Releases Scout Souvenir Postage Stamps

The Scouts Association of Jamaica in collaboration with the Post and Telecommunications Department today (July 9) launched commemorative postage stamps in recognition of the centenary of the founding of scouting worldwide.
The four postage stamps and a souvenir sheet to commemorate the centenary of scouting have been released by the Government of Jamaica through the Postmaster General.
Speaking at the launch which was held at the Scouts Association headquarters, Dr. Jean Dixon, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, commended the Post and Telecommunications Department for its role in capturing the nation’s history.
“These events are of historical significance and by issuing these stamps we really are helping to preserve the rich history of this country. We welcome the launch of these stamps. It is a set of stamps that should not be missed by stamp collectors, students of history and indeed all of Jamaica,” Dr. Dixon said.
In his remarks, Reverend Canon Weeville Gordon, Custos of Kingston praised the work of the scouting movement, saying it provides an avenue to help in the development of young persons not only in Jamaica, but throughout the world.
“The movement of scouting facilitates education of the whole being through harmonious, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development so that scouts develop levels of resourcefulness and acquire many useful skills,” Rev. Gordon said.
He added that “scouts and its attendant values including that of service to others above self continue to mark and to make a wonderful contribution to the social life of our country.”
The Custos of Kingston noted that the commemorative postage stamps reflect the ongoing work of the scouts in Jamaica.
“It is my hope that in charting the way forward the Scouts Association will make every effort to strengthen the core principles of scouting, that is education for life, involvement, fun with a purpose and a code for living,” Rev. Gordon said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Barrington Soares, Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association of Jamaica said he was pleased with the launching of the commemorative stamps in celebration of the founding of scouting world wide.
The Scouting Movement, which has more than 15 million scouts in some 115 countries world wide, was founded in 1907 by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Scouting came to Jamaica in 1910, with the first troop started in Browns Town, St. Ann.