In an unprecedented move for philatelic history, the Barbados Postal Service (BPS) is set to launch its inaugural embroidered postage stamp this coming Monday, December 8. This groundbreaking issue prominently features an intricately stitched dove, recognized worldwide as an emblem of peace and unity.
The creation of this unique stamp represents a significant international partnership, bringing together the expertise of multiple global entities. The collaborative effort includes the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the United Nations, and the renowned Austrian embroidery specialist Hämmerle & Vogel. This multinational cooperation underscores the universal message of harmony that the stamp seeks to promote.
Technical specifications reveal the stamp will be available in a single denomination of $2.20 Barbados dollars. For collectors and enthusiasts, a specially designed First-Day Cover will be offered at $2.95. These philatelic items will be available through the Philatelic Bureau located at the General Post Office on Cheapside in Bridgetown.
The Bureau will maintain its regular operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, to accommodate purchases and advance orders. This release marks not only a first for Barbadian postal history but also represents a innovative approach to stamp design that merges traditional embroidery craftsmanship with modern postal services.