Battle of Trafalgar 200th anniversary stamps released

On Wednesday, June 23, six postage stamps and a souvenir sheet were released as the first of a two-part series, by the Government of Jamaica through the Postmaster General, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The battle of Trafalgar was a closely fought naval battle between England and a combined Franco-Spanish fleet

in October 1805. The stamps feature images of personnel, equipment and ships from that legendary battle in which England 's victorious Admiral Horatio Nelson died.

Selling Prices

This commemorative series has been released in Jamaican dollar denominations of $20, $30, $50, $60, $70 and $90. Sheetlets will be sold for $200. First day covers with stamps will be sold for $450, and with souvenir sheets for $330.

To place orders, contact the Philatelic Bureau at the Central Sorting Office in Kingston .

New postman chief takes on challenge

Meet Aon Bascoe, the recently-assigned chief inspector of postmen. Persons who hold this title are normally referred to as 'Chief'. He is a quiet dynamo, ensuring that things get done.

Bascoe took over this critical leadership position in February, after Herbert R. Brown's retirement. Having been selected from a large cadre of candidates, this is a significant milestone in Bascoe's career.

He credits a previous chief inspector, Lloyd McPherson, who served from 1983 to 1988, as a key figure in his career development. Bascoe made a determined effort to learn as much as possible about the functioning of the 'Chief's' role, and this has now paid dividends.

Having joined the Post and Telecommunications Department in 1973, Bascoe has worked in various positions that have developed his knowledge of the postal service. Inspiration was found in the wisdom of such persons as his grandmother and stepfather, as well as his own spirit of determination and perseverance.

He said: "My first job was in a supermarket at age 14, bagging groceries, while I was a student of Vauxhall (Secondary School)."

He also worked as a 'bus boy' in restaurants of Kingston hotels, prior to joining the postal service.

Chief Inspector's Role

Said Bascoe: "The chief inspector's role is that of an administrator, quality controller, mediator, motivator, trainer, benefits administrator and disciplinarian, all rolled into one." He has islandwide responsibility for postmen, in all aspects mentioned.

"One significant factor is the interaction with the union representatives and the postal administration that keeps harmony - or as close to it as we can get," he added.

The 'Chief' ensures that postmen know their job and perform to the standard required by performing spot checks, and gets feedback from the travelling inspector. He liaises with the Sorting Office managers, senior regional and regional inspector and head postmaster in Kingston , to plan and determine any necessary remedial action.

Contributed

Aon Bascoe (left), chief inspector of postmen, checking an improperly sealed letter from the United States that was handed to him by Earl Smith, supervisor of postmen, at the Central Sorting Office in Kingston.