News Releases

UWI 60th Stamp Issue

For Release Upon Receipt - December 1, 2008

St. Augustine


The University of the West Indies (UWI) in The Bahamas is marking UWI 60th Anniversary Celebrations with the production of a special commemorative stamp collection. This project, launched on November 25, 2008, in collaboration with The Bahamas Philatelic Bureau, is one of several activities planned by the local committee in The Bahamas since the start of the year.

The collection comprises three stamps. The first features four (4) undergraduate students in recognition of the 39,000 students enrolled in the four campuses. Since its establishment in 1948 as a small college in Jamaica with 33 students, UWI has evolved to full-fledged international university with an enrolment of some 39,000 students and collaborative links with over 60 universities around the world.  Enrolment across the University has doubled in the last five years. Through its seven faculties, UWI now offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Pure & Applied Sciences, Science and Agriculture, and Social Sciences. 

The second stamp features a plaque, which marks the continued growth and development of the UWI School of Clinical Medicine and Research, The Bahamas in 2007. The third commemorative stamp features the Scroll and Crest of UWI, which is one of the most recognizable symbols of Caribbean unity in the region.

The first issue of First Day Covers was received from the Post Master General, Mr. Godfrey Clarke, on behalf of The University of the West Indies by Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Open Campus Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald. Professor Howard Spencer, UWI Coordinator in The Bahamas also received First Day Covers at the office of the Post Master General.  

Some highlights of the Bahamian celebrations of The UWI 60th Anniversary Celebrations 60th anniversary include the issuing of a Proclamation by the Prime Minister The Hon. Hubert Ingraham in January 2008; UWI 60th Anniversary Research Day in April; the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica’s historic visit in September and the issuance of commemorative stamps in November. The yearlong celebrations will culminate with a Gala Black Tie Dinner hosted on Friday 12th December by the St. Augustine Campus.  

Stamp collectors and other interested persons may contact the General Post Office for further information on the purchase of mint sets, C.T.Os and/or First Day Covers.

For other information, please contact Ms. Beverley Dinham Spence at (242) 356-2589 or email fmsuwibahamas@coralwave.com or fax to (242) 356-5289

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