Guyana’s 1966 Independence Stamps

Soon after the introduction of postage stamps in 1840, countries began using them to portray details about the country in particular, and the move to Independence was one event that was particularly highlighted on many a country’s postage stamps. Guyana issued a new set of stamps to commemorate its Independence on May 26, 1966; new stamps were also required because the country’s name was being changed.
Quite appropriately, the Independence stamps depicted the country’s map and new flag, and it’s new Coat-of-Arms in a set of four stamps – 5c, 15c, 25c & $1.00 (the catalogue numbers for stamp collectors using the British system being SG408, SG409, SG410 and SG411, respectively).

In the set, the 5c and 15c depict the map of Guyana (with surrounding countries named) and the Golden Arrowhead, whilst the 25c and $1.00 portrays the new Coat-of-Arms of the country, each stamp having the words “Independence 1966” on a flying banner.
All multicoloured photographic printing, the 15c and $1.00 issues have a brown background, whilst the 5c has a dark blue background and the 25c a light blue background. These stamps were designed by Victor Whiteley, once described (in 1982 by James Mackay) as the third most prolific stamp designer in the world having then designed 1,033 stamps, and printed by the British stamp printers, Harrison & Sons of London. An interesting inclusion in the design of these stamps is the inscription “South America” in small letters below the word “Guyana.” This would have been necessary then, to ensure the mail reaches these shores.
Technically, however, these new stamps are not Guyana’s first Independence stamps. Issued on the same date, May 26, 1966, but listed by Stanley Gibbons 2009 Catalogue Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps 1840-1970 before the new Independence stamps, are thirty-two “new” stamps comprising the fifteen stamps of the 1954-1963 issue with a number of varieties, with catalogue numbers SG378 – SG407b.
These British Guiana stamps of 1954-1963 were reprinted with the inscription “Guyana Independence 1966” overprinted in bold, black capital letters on the face of the stamps, the stamps having unchanged values.
This issuing of current stamps with “Independence” overprints seems to have been a regular approach of newly independent countries.
One can put together a neat, informative collection of our Independence stamps issued on May 26, 1966; a collection of thirty-six stamps – this could be a project for our young people.
En passant, I should mention that only one other issue of stamps was made in 1966; two stamps, 5c and 25c featuring the Bank of Guyana building for the opening of the Bank of Guyana, and issued on October 11, 1966.