Stamp issue honours emergency services

(CIPS): The Cayman Islands Postal Service is honouring Emergency Services personnel with five commemorative stamps. The stamps, issued on 30 August, depict the various ways in which these first responder units provide safety and security to the community and are issued in denominations of 20¢ (RCIPS Marine Unit); 25¢ (Ambulance Service); 75¢ (Fire Service); $1.50 (911) and $2 (Helicopter). The five stamps show the many roles that the first responders play in emergency situations.

Additionally, to broaden the stamps’ appeal, the Stamp Advisory Committee (SAC) decided to include children and underscore the need for them to learn about emergency responses, including the 9-1-1 number in the event they need to use it, said Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow.

The 20¢ Marine Unit Boat stamp shows a water rescue, while the 25¢ depicts EMS technicians performing a routine health check on a young lady at a community event. On the 75¢ stamp firefighter demonstrates how to put out a fire at a community event. A young girl makes a call to 9-1-1 on the $1.50 and on the $2 stamp, a group of youngsters point to the EC135 police helicopter during a routine patrol.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Postal Service Juliana O’Connor-Connolly thanked SAC and Postmaster General for their hard work and for paying tribute to first responders.

“Emergency Services are at the cornerstone of our society and these brave men and women often put their lives on the line for us daily.  Let’s face it, this is not just a job to them, this is a calling and for that we thank them,” she added.

In 1907 a law was passed authorising the establishment of a police force. The force was initially commanded by an English Inspector and four local constables, who also acted in the capacity of postal and customsofficials. 

Responsibilities, aside from investigating crime, included looking after short-term prisoners in a ‘lock-up’, as there was no prison. Other responsibilities included hoisting the Cayman Islands flag on government buildings whilst the reveille was blown on the bugle. The practice of hoisting the flag has only ceased to be the responsibility of the police in recent years.

In 1928, the police force was increased by a further two constables. Constables were given basic training such as foot drill and officers worked seven days a week, 365 days a year from 6:00am to 10:00pm. However, by 1978 a five-day work week was adopted and today the RCIPS employs over 400 officers and support staff representing over 100 nationalities.