GPO releases Valerie Rodway Stamp

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 16, 2019

The Guyana Post Office Corporation celebrated the 100^th birth anniversary of famed musical composer, the late Ms. Valerie Rodway by the launching of the series of commemorative stamp in her honour.

Post Master General, Karen Brown, said that the stamps will be released to the public tomorrow, Friday, May 17, 2019, in denominations of $100 and $150 until the supply runs out.

Speaking at the launch, Pamela Fraser, niece of Ms. Rodway, said that it was quite an honour to have her aunt commemorated in such a way by the government.

Centre, Pamela Fraser, and to her right, Honourable Min. Catherine Hughes, and other officials at the launch of the Valerie Rodway Commemorative Stamp.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Honourable Catherine Hughes.

Niece of Valerie Rodway, Pamela Fraser.

Russell Lancaster.

Post Master General at Guyana Post Office Corporation, Karen Brown.

The Ms. Valerie Rodway Commemorative Stamp Collection.

“On behalf of the family, it is a great honour…I know that she is looking down on us and that she would also be very proud to have received such an honour.” Ms. Fraser said.

In her opening address, Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes noted that, “Guyanese women are special.”

“Our nation’s history is sprinkled with some remarkable achievements by women. We continue to celebrate them and their works which have brought us where we are today,” Minister Hughes observed.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunication in collaboration with and the GPOC hosted the launch of the commemorative stamp at the National Library today.

Russell Lancaster, with pianist, Marilyn Dewar, performed heart-warming renditions of the two of the more popular national songs composed by Ms. Rodway – Guyana the Free and O’ Beautiful Guyana.

In reflecting on the life of Valerie Rodway, Fraser and Minister Hughes noted that Ms. Valerie Rodway had a creative mind and found music in everything. Minster Hughes said that Ms Rodway’s gifts united Guyana during the pre- and post-independence eras.

Ms. Rodway was born February 12, 1919, in New Amsterdam, and is also known for the composition of melodious odes including Kanaima, Hymn for Guyana’s Children, Arise Guyana and Guyana the Free.

In February last, the Public Information and Press Services building of the Ministry of the Presidency was renamed Valerie Rodway House. On that occasion President David Granger, in hailing the life achievements of Ms. Rodway said that she “helped us to discover our Guyaneseness”.

Onika Bobb.

Images: Anil Seelall.