Britain's naval ships have long been regarded as some of the world's most invincible. Renowned for its powerful artillery, speed and relentless patrolling of British waters as well as the waters of Britain's territories, The Royal Navy has evolved into a formidable force over the past century and a half.
   
The Anguilla Philatelic Bureau has selected the following five Battle ships from the Royal Fleet in commemoration of the above theme.
  

This British county class Destroyer with a 5440 ton displacement was launched in 1967. The Antrim, which can attain a top speed of over 30 knots and a range of 3500 miles at 28 knots, is outfitted with a tin guided missile launcher, ideal for anti-submarine operations. In 1984 the ship was sold to the Chilean Navy.
  

HMS Formidable

HMS formidable was built in 1937 and launched in August 1939. This aircraft Carrier displayed a significant improvement in British Naval armory. The "Formidable" was equipped with guns both on the flight deck and extension of the vertical Armour upwards.

Through her career HMS formidable was deployed mainly in the Mediterranean, where she suffered bomb damage. Formidable's initial assignment was to accompany a convoy to Cape-town from December1940 - January 1941.

After an effective and illustrius career HMS Formidable was sold in 1953 and scrapped in 1956.
  

Built at Portsmouth Dockyard, England, in 1905, HMS Dreadnought was launched in February 1906.

This new Battleship served as Flagship of the home fleet in 1907 - 1912. "Dreadnought" served with the 4th Battle squadron in the north Sea during the first two years of World War I. On March 1915, while so employed Dreadnought rammed and sank the German submarine U-29. Placed in reserve in 1919, the once revolutionary warship was sold for scrapping in 1922.
  

Launched in the winter of 1860, Warrior was under the command of the Honorable Arthur Cochrane. The ship under went minor modifications following a sea trial and in June 1862 began active service in the Channel Squadron. The Ship's patrol included Britain's coastal waters. Lisbon and Gibraltar.

The Warrior's strength was her ability to keep peace, and foreign navies soon imitated her advanced features. The ship however, became obsolete within a decade and was relegated to the reserve fleet ranks. In 1883 the Warrior was withdrawn from sea service, converted to a depot ship, and renamed Vernon III.
  

The Ark Royal has recently been refitted and is stationed at its homeport of Portsmouth. HMS Ark Royal is planned to remain in service until 2015 when the next generation of Aircraft Carriers will be expected to continue the glorious traditions set by today's sailors and ships.

Throughout its tour of Duty HMS Hood was engaged in numerous training exercises and combat missions. The "Mighty Hood" was feared the world over and thought by many to be invincible. The powerful battle cruiser met its fate on 24th May 1941 when in an encounter with the "Bismark" the "Hood" was hit by the enemy ship, and sank following a catastrophic explosion.

The Anguilla Social Security Board was established under the Social Security Ordinance 1980, by Chief Minister the Honorable James Ronald Webster to provide and manage a system of national insurance for the workers of Anguilla to ensure that there is adequate provision for the security of workers and their families against hardships. The Board is a Statutory corporation which is appointed by, and reports to, a Minister of Government and is a tri-partite entity, bringing together representatives of employees, employers and Government. It administers the Scheme through a Director and staff at the Social Security Office. The programme commenced operations on January 1st 1982.

The Ordinance established a Fund into which contributions are paid and from which benefits are disbursed. The benefits come under two branches: The Short-term Branch from which the following contingencies are paid: - Sickness, Maternity and Funeral Grant; and the Long-term branch from which the following contingencies are paid:- Age, Invalidity and Survivors.

Today after 20 years of operation, the Social Security Fund stands in excess of $94 million and there are over 9700 persons registered as insured persons. There are currently over 200 persons who receive long-term benefits.

Anguilla Social Security has in many respects been a trend-setter among Caribbean Schemes. One area where this is particularly evident is in its investments. In order to achieve a much-needed diversification and to achieve higher Overall returns, the Scheme has engaged a Financial consultant, Solomon Smith Barney and utilises fund managers for some of its funds on the United States and international Stock Markets

Another area where they have established leaderships is in the creation, in 1986, of the Social Security Development fund through which may socially desirable projects have been funded. These include but are not limited to, projects in the areas of sports, education, culture and health. One special project is the development of steel pan music with in the schools in Anguilla, while another is the launch of the Anguilla community Foundation.

This stamp conveys Social Security as a unit contributing to various worthwhile organisations and causes. Excluding facial features portrays these contributions as supporting groups rather than individuals in a variety of fields. Sports, entertainment and the arts are represented by generic figures in motion. The two colour design represents the Social Security Board as a single unit.

20 Years of Employee Benefits

The open sea transforms into the harbour of Road Bay as the background for a selection of people in work mode. The faces of the individuals express their attitude while performing their tasks. The farmer’s strong arm extending throughout the design represents the overall working spirit and heritage of the island.

Security promotes happiness. The services and benefits provided by social Security have ensured the security of Anguilla for the past 20 years. The faces depicted in this design represent a broad range of ages in natural confident poise. It conveys a feeling of good will, which is the purpose and challenge of the Social Security Board.

Introduction

The tribute paid by the Poet to the famous Lighthouse in the poem "Sombrero", is a fitting tribute to an almost legendary fixture which has made safe an important Atlantic shipping lane for well over a century.

The Sombrero Lighthouse was commissioned by the British on January 1st 1868 and operated by an American company which had begun Phosphate mining on the island in 1860. In 1893 the Lighthouse came under the supervision of the British Board of Trade.

The original Light house was destroyed in 1960 by Hurricane Donna, and on 20th July 1962 a new facility (Lighthouse depicted on .30c denomination) was again operational.

Sombrero, which is a barren rock approximately 1 mile long and 1/4 mile wide, NNW of Anguilla is best known for its Lighthouse. The flashing beam which radiates its guiding light from 166ft above sea level is a beacon to maritime traffic from the Atlantic Ocean through the Caribbean sea via the Anegarda passage.

A new, fully Automated Lighthouse donated by Trinity House of the United Kingdom was made operational on October 1st, 2001 after approximately 130 years of being operated manually.

Rear Admiral Patrick Rowe, Deputy Master of Trinity House, a British based organisation with responsibility for Lighthouses in the United Kingdom and its territories, officially commissioned the Lighthouse in January 2002. On January 5th 2002 Admiral Rowe paid special honour to the daring Lighthouse keepers at a special event organised by Anguilla’s Governor.

It is against this backdrop that the Anguilla Philatelic Bureau decided to issue a set of three postage stamps depicting the structural development of the Lighthouse as well as to honour that rare breed of men who for over a century dedicated their lives to the keeping of the Sombrero light.

This 166’ pyramidal cast iron structure was the tallest of the Lighthouse towers on Sombrero. The tower with its central square cylinder bore the light for approximately 40 years.

 Newly commissioned automated fibre-glass tower rises 60ft from Sombrero rock.

The light is monitored by Anguilla’s Air Traffic Control operation at Wall Blake Airport.

This stamp depicts graphically the contrast in appearance of the old and new Lighthouses. The new fibre-glass structure in the foreground is dwarfed by the old tower by over 100ft. The structure in the background shows considerable evidence of wear from the harsh marine weather conditions.
    

This 166’ pyramidal cast iron structure was the tallest of the Lighthouse towers on Sombrero. The tower with its central square cylinder bore the light for approximately 40 years.

 Newly commissioned automated fibre-glass tower rises 60ft from Sombrero rock.

The light is monitored by Anguilla’s Air Traffic Control operation at Wall Blake Airport.

This stamp depicts graphically the contrast in appearance of the old and new Lighthouses. The new fibre-glass structure in the foreground is dwarfed by the old tower by over 100ft. The structure in the background shows considerable evidence of wear from the harsh marine weather conditions.

Introduction

Introduction

Anguilla’s many Salt Water Ponds and Offshore Cays provide a favourable habitat for over 85 known species of birds. The birds, many of which are migratory use these environments for breeding and wintering.

In recent years it has become evident that a number of this 
important bird population has become endangered, some to the point of near extinction.

In an attempt to heighten the awareness of the important role these birds play in their ecosystems, the Anguilla Philatelic Bureau has featured nine of these species on postage stamps.

This Duck can be recognised from far by its red bill marks and pronounced white cheek. The White Cheeked Pintail is the only duck permanently living on Anguilla. This species is declining 

The Male of this species is identified by its black head and under parts while the female is of a brownish-olive colour. It is a year rounder to Anguilla and most of the islands which make up the West Indies. It prefers to build its home in open areas composed of grass and shrub. This species breeds year round.
   

This species is completely dark brown with a distinctive silvery-white fore-crown. It is commonly found living on Anguilla’s offshore Cays. It breeds from April to August.

The Blacked Necked Stilt is a notably large bird, with long pink legs and black and white under-part. It is a permanent resident of Anguilla and can be found in many areas of the island, including Saltponds and Mangrove areas. It breeds from March to June.

Introduction
The year 2001 marks the 225th Anniversary of America‘s revolution against British colonial rule.

This historic event which secured America’s independence on July 4th 1776 from Britain, has been further documented on a stamp issue released by the Anguilla Philatelic Bureau, entitled:

“225th Anniversary of the American Revolution – 1776 – 2001”

The illustrious career of this fearless Seaman and Captain of the Continental Navy was a major factor in the success of America’s fight against the British in gaining their independence.  Thomas Jefferson described John Paul Jones as

 “The principal hope of America’s future efforts on the Ocean”.

One of Jones’s famous naval crusades was as Captain of the USS “Ranger” carrying the Stars and Stripes.  On this expedition he captured the British sloop “Drake” off the coast of Ireland and pillaged the British coast

George Washington who later became the first President of the United States was  selected as the General of the Continental Army.

Two basic reasons, which determined his selection, were his military abilities and a strong commitment to colonial freedom.

The victory at Yorktown was one of Washington’s greatest triumphs, where he coordinated a sea and land operation against British Commander Cornwall's forces who later surrendered.  This victory virtually ended the war.

Thomas Jefferson is credited as one of the prominent framers of the document declaring the United States as an Independent nation.

“...all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness…”

Jefferson, one of the youngest members of Congress in 1776, was succeeded by Edmund Pendleton.

Elected as the second President of the United States – 1797-1801, John Adams is regarded as one of the great figures in American history.

Adams was a vigorous campaigner against British rule and was among the first to propose American Independence.  His vast interest in seeing his country become an autonomous nation led to his selection on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Introduction
The Anguilla Philatelic Bureau and other Philatelic Agencies in the region have joined the United Nations Development fund for women organisation (Unifem), in educating the public on the social, economic and political injustices which women are currently  encountering world wide .With the release of this stamp issue, it is hoped that we can some how contribute to the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

The United Nations Women’s Human rights Campaign who’s theme is: “A life free of Violence is our right” was initiated in 1998 with the purpose of educating and encouraging governments in the Latin American and  Caribbean communities to develop or amend legislation to help eradicate the injustices perpetrated against women.

This issue was strategically scheduled for release on March 8th, which has been designated  “ International Women's Day“.

This stamp depicts a lady whose stature personifies women’s collective strengths. Her eyes look upward to the future; to a time when all women will be treated equally.  She exemplifies women’s determination to rise above all adversity and the play of colours reflects women’s passion and individualities.  

The Artist, Leisel Renee Jobity graduated from Pratt I institute, New York in 1989 with a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration. Ms. Jobity began her career as a Designer for Pfizer Inc.  Many of her designs can be found at numerous Non-profit organisation in the United States such as Brooklyn Academy of Music, Este Launder inc. and the National Labour committee.  She also worked with renown publishing companies such as Self, Selling and Family Circle magazine.

“To Strive for Human rights of all people and in particular to advance the status of women”, is the primary goal of Soroptomist  International.

The Anguillian chapter of this women’s service organisation has made remarkable strides over the past fifteen years in the provision of Day Care for the children of working  mothers.

In 1985, with the generous contribution of a parcel of land by the Anguilla Government and an invaluable contribution of US $25,000.00 by an American ambassador, the local  Soroptomist club initiated a Day Care facility.

The new Day Care facility soon began to experience greater demand than what service it was capable of providing.  The Anguilla government again supported the Day Care project by granting the acquisition of additional land by the Soroptomist club.

An extension to the centre was completed and made operational in 1999.

Mrs. Britannia Idalia Gumbs was one of the women in the forefront of the 1967 revolution when Anguilla broke away from St. Kitts-Nevis.  Her eventual elevation as a co-opted member of the Anguilla Council in 1972 was an indication of the value her  colleagues placed on her as a   partner in conducting the affairs of the island.  There was a need for leaders of courage and commitment. She possessed both qualities as one of the outstanding freedom fighters.

Mrs Gumbs’ success in March 1976 as an Elected Representative for the Valley North constituency further enhanced her leadership position.  It was an important time for Anguilla.  By then the island had been granted a separate constitution under which a ministerial system of government was provided.  Much to the honour of the women folk of the island, and to her own credit, she was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism in 1977.  It was under her ministry that tourism took off, laying the foundation for the success of the industry, which the island is enjoying today.

Mrs. Gumbs was a dedicated worker.  She was resolute and candid in her desire to see Anguilla achieve the best for its future.  She did not contest any further elections but maintained a deep interest in the political and constitutional development of the island

Anguillians owe her a debt of gratitude for her sterling commitment to service particularly in the area of tourism during a most difficult period of the island’s development.

The National Bank of Anguilla was incorporated in

Anguilla on December 20th, 1984.  The Bank purchased

the Anguilla branch operations of the Bank of America

on 8th March 1985 with assets totaling about EC$15

million; and has profitably operated a banking facility on

Anguilla since that day.

Today, this Bank, with assets of $249 million, is publicly

owned by over 600 shareholders and has correspondent

relations with a number of major international banks in

the US, Canada, and Europe.  It has an interest in a

Mastercard and Visa Licensed Credit Card issuing and

processing company; is affiliated with the American

Express; and has a business relationship with the Tom

Morgan Group of Salomon Smith Barney.

National Bank of Anguilla is regulated by Eastern

Caribbean Central Bank and is a member of the

Carribean Association of Indigenous Banks.

Committed to exceeding the needs of its customers,

NBA opened the doors to a new and impressive building

on 23rd March 2000.  From its welcoming ambience, its

customers are provided with commercial, retail, private

banking and investment services, 24 hour banking via

automatic banking machine, a drive-thru teller window

and safety deposit box service.  Its customers will soon

be able to bank globally through its E-banking facilities.

Since its inception, NBA has been a stimulus for the

lsland's economic advancement through its innovation

and leadership.

Over the years, NBA has unquestionably lived up to its

motto "... more than banking     ...... As a result, in 1998

the Bank was awarded the Eastern Caribbean Central

Bank's BEST Corporate Citizen Award among the

OECS Banks.  NBA has been instrumental through its

sponsorship in the areas of culture, sports, arts, education

and health in Anguilla, and in the response to victims of

natural disasters.

The success of this Institution is based upon its Mission

Statement "Committed to excellence in financial services

through skilled and dedicated management and staff,

for the benefit of customers, shareholders and the

Community.

This building was designed by Kenworthy and Associates and built by Orchard Romney and Beck of Anguilla. Its a floor area of 14,500 square

One of Anguilla's premier sailing boats. It was rebuilt in 1996 by Mr. Rupert "Bullet" Richardson after being destroyed by Hurricane Luis in 1995. The Chan has a proud record in the history of Anguilla's national sport, boat racing.

Valerie Carpenter pays tribute to Anguilla's national sport, Boat racing in this imaginative portrayal.

 Ms. Carpenter sets the Sandy beach to the motion of the azure sea by rendering it in a wavelike design. The pensive figure of a

"Mother Weme" captures Anguilla's architectural diversity and charm in this exquisite montage.

 Ms. Caster's blend of traditional West Indian design, Moorish domes and arches, Asian and North American contemporary architecture is evidence 

of Anguilla's departure from the traditional building code.

In the foreground is ingeniously incorporated an aquatic scene depicting a traditional boating regatta.

This mystical portrayal captures the supernatural aspect of the imagination.

Fiona Percy effectively transforms the potent spiritual being of a beautiful island woman into a fanciful apparition, which emanated from the subject's hands and hovers over the placid sea.

fresh produce destined for those islands where the agricultural sector is not too vibrant - Anguilla for example.

 Paula Walden's "Inter Island Cargo" depicts a boat being off loaded in shallow water, reminiscent of the days when smuggling was prevalent.

The economic development and well being of the Caribbean islands is inextricably linked to the traditional inter Island trade.

 The wooden hull cargo vessels, which ply their trade throughout out the Caribbean Sea, are often laden with 

Anguilla's colonial past is documented on this remarkable montage by Teacher/ Artist, Melsadis Fleming.

 The Governor's House at Landsome Estate takes center place while the Courthouse at Crocus Hill and the Warden's place in the Valley adorns the top of the portrait. 

 The Anguilla Philatelic Bureau is proud to share in this historic milestone, "100th Cricket Test at Lord's", by featuring two of Anguilla's cricketing greats on this commemorative stamp issue.

 Cardigan Connor and Lanville Harrigan have made a name for themselves and their country as prolific Bowler and Batsman respectively, in First Class tournaments.

 The role played by these two nationals as competitors and as local coaches has contributed significantly to the overall development of Cricket among Anguilla's aspiring youth.

Lanville Harrigan

In 1984, Lanville began representing Anguilla in the annual Leeward Island Tournament and in 1988 was selected to play in the Leeward Islands Team.

Lanville received various contracts from clubs

in England during the years 1990-1998 which included:

White Haven                        1990-1991
Canadian 'B' Team               1994
"Lashing" Team                    1997
"Gore Court" Team              1998

Cardigan Connor

Cardigan has been a member of the Hampshire County Cricket Club during three successful Cup finals at Lord's in 1988, 1991 and 1992 in the Benson and Hedges and Nat-west Finals.

Cardigan has taken 1,014 First Class and One-day wickets for Hampshire.

Cardigan is currently coaching the youth Cricketers on Anguilla.

Prior to the 1980's Anguilla's youth were very adept in the creation of ingeniously crafted toys.

However, the decade of the eighties saw the rapid advancement of television on our island bringing with it the influence of foreign culture on our indigenous lifestyle. This coupled with the introduction of electron- ic games, basketball and other lucrative pastimes have all but seen the disappearance of our indigenous toys.

In an attempt to renew an interest in what has become an almost forgotten aspect of our culture, The Anguilla Post Office included as part of its 1999 Postal Week's celebrations and Indigenous Toys Contest among the island's Primary Schools. The Overwhelming response to this contest prompted the Anguilla Post Office Philatelic Bureau to further document this vital aspect of Anguilla's Heritage on an issue of postage stamps to commemorate Easter 2000.

With the lack of power tools such as the reciprocating saw, the wheels had to be painstakingly crafted using a regular handsaw. The wooden wheels were then rounded perfectly using a rough concrete block or sandpaper if available.

The steering system included a length of cord attached to both ends of the axle and maneuvered by a steering wheel or lever at the top end of the rod.

These are essentially the elements needed to create the banjo.

The tools required in carving the top are essentially a machete and a kitchen knife. The end product varies from an oval to semi-rounded shape. The top is then smoothed to attain maximum beauty and soaked in water usually overnight.       This soaking is thought necessary to prevent splitting when the spike is being driven in. A length of cord is chosen at random to spin the top and is adjusted in length if the top fails to spin. When the correct length is achieved, this is called a perfect or "ranking trim." In most instances a top will initially spin erratically (called "jiggling") but can be "set" by shortening the spike or by bending it slightly. The top will eventually spin smoothly (called "sleeping").

Top games include one called "Knock over jig" or "spike" played by wanton boys who's main objective is to mutilate and eventually ruin their opponents top.

Constructed mainly of lobiolly wood the base has an arch of typing wire attached diagonally at each corner under which is woven sticks of varying lengths until a pyramid like structure is achieved.

The Killiban was intended primarily to snare the prized turtledove (now designated Anguilla's national Bird). The trapped birds were kept as pets in cages and occasionally eaten as a delicacy.

The catapult, also called "sling shot" was the choice weapon of the village "bad boys."

lengths of inner tube and a leather tongue could hurl a deadly pebble many yards depending on the elasticity of the rubber.

 The catapult was mainly used to shoot birds and even ground lizards. This toy was never popular among parents or school principals as they viewed it as a dangerous toy capable of knocking out someone's eye or otherwise injuring them.

During the 1960's and prior, a genuine cricket ball was a rarity or almost unheard of on Anguilla.

The stone was wrapped in the paper or cloth to form a nice round centre around which the 1/2" pieces of tubing are woven to attain as round a ball as possible. The ball would be pounded into shape as the rubber was attached.

In some instances the completed ball was tightly wrapped with strong cord to prevent the rubber coming loose when struck.

The Pond Boat was once the miniature replica of the traditional Anguilla racing Boat. The boat, which was skillfully carved, mostly from turpentine or Loblolly wood derived its name from the fact that it was sailed in a pond.

The boat which was usually measured approximately 18" x 24" in length was rigged with a cotton or plastic sail.

The doll got its name from the scraps of multi-colored cloth from which it was made.

Girls who's' mothers were seamstresses were particularly in an advantageous position to create a rag doll as they had access to much scrap material as well as buttons for the eyes, nose etc.

The Kite is possibly that member of the indigenous toy family, which survived the tidal wave of foreign culture.

It is perhaps our youngsters' intrigue with the wonder and adventure of flight, which has kept the Kite flying.

narrow strips, and made usually  into an "x" shape with a cross "bone".

 The strips are tied securely where they intersect and are framed with cord. The frame is then covered with paper. Traditionally brown paper torn from a cement or flour sack is used.

 Before glues became popular the covering was attached with a paste made of baking flour and water. This very durable bond had to be made "toxic" by adding some aloes juice to the paste which deterred rats and other rodents eating the Kite when stored.

 Kite flying takes centre stage during the Easter season when local competitions are held. It is not uncommon to find Kites twice the size of their builders or as small as a man's palm.