Stamps released on an envelope are referred to as ‘Official First Day Covers’ – signifying the first day of release. In addition, information leaflets known as ‘Stamp News’ may also be issued providing collectors and users with the historical background and significance of the said stamps.
Stamps provide a vivid reflection of history through the ages. At the time of issue, virtually every stamp has clear historical significance. There are various types of stamps issued for several occasions.
Commemorative stamps honour important people, events or special subjects of national appeal and significance. Their subjects frequently are former presidents, statesmen, other prominent persons and national shrines.
Former Postmaster General, Henry Dundas, in a past interview with Sunday Times Magazine pointed out that stamps are significant because they highlight a country’s culture and rich history. He noted that first covers are mainly made to commemorate momentous occasions and may worth a lot in future years. Additionally, Dundas said first covers are still made by the Guyana Post Office upon request by companies, government ministries and other entities.
Interesting Facts on Guyana’s Post Office History
The first postal service was established in British Guiana by France in 1782. On 1783, Adrian Loncq was appointed the first Post Master for Demerara. However, after the colonies were taken over by the Dutch, the post office was abolished in 1784 to 1795. During this period, mail was sent through the government office.
The first post office was established in 1793 under the control of Attorney-at-Law, J.C. De La Coste, and ran until 1795 when it was again closed. In 1796, when the British gained control of the colonies, it was resolved by the Court of Policy that a post office be established at Stabroek. In 1834 the office was removed to the New Public Buildings, where it remained until 1857. In 1865, the post office was housed in the lower flat of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Societies Building. In 1914, the old Hotel Tower was purchased and converted into the post office. The colony’s postal service remained there until the great fire in February 1945. Temporary accommodation was found at the Regent Hotel, but this was also destroyed by fire in 1947. From then until the construction of the new post office, a makeshift office was set up at Avon House in Main Street, the Town Hall Basement and the Fire Brigade Annex.
On August 11, 1952, His Excellency the Governor Sir Charles Wooley, on invitation of the Post Master General K.I.R. Kirkpatrick, declared open the newly-built General Post Office and Telecommunications Centre at its present location.
On April 1, 1877, British Guiana entered the Postal Union. The first British Guiana postage stamp, familiarly known as the Cotton Reel, was issued on July 1, 1850, was printed locally at the office of the Royal Gazette.
In 1852, the first London Issue was printed by Messrs Watterlow and Sons. In 1853, another beautiful lithographic issue was printed by the same firm. In 1856, a local issue was printed by Messrs Baum and Dallas. From this issue emanated the one cent Black on Magenta, known to be one of the world’s rarest stamps. 
In January 1860, the first uniform inland letter postage rate was introduced. In April 1877, a uniform rate for letter postage was introduced to all Postal Union Countries. Inland Postcards were introduced in August 1885. Small packet service was introduced in 1931 between British Guiana and the UK and in 1932 to Trinidad and Barbados; later in 1939 it was extended to all Postal Union Countries. The first exchange of parcels between British Guiana and UK commenced in 1886. Money and Postal Order Services were inaugurated in July 1863.
The treasury Savings Bank Service was first established on December 2, 1889. It was taken over by the Post Office between December 1910 and June 1911. In 1938, the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) was established under the management of the PMG. The Post Office, formerly part of the traditional Public Service, became a Public Corporation on January 1, 1977. It has a spread of over 60 main post offices and several postal agencies throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Sunday Times Magazine features today a few of the most recent first day covers produced by the Guyana Post Office. (Information and photos by Guyana Post Office, http://guypost.gy)
