tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61226797847558592942024-03-14T14:16:14.738+04:00Mauritian Philatelic BlogMauritian Philatelic BlogDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-53719444588925519032018-02-11T01:01:00.001+04:002018-02-11T01:02:25.416+04:00Freshwater Flora<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a set of fours stamps on the theme 'Freshwater Fauna', released on 6 June 2016, the Mauritius Post released on 18 October 2016 a set of four stamps on the theme 'Freshwater Flora'.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJfouinfh50/Wn9Jp6jsbpI/AAAAAAAACk8/1vtaJ0lPPGEUzZDTJvtyJSUria0balhqACLcBGAs/s1600/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJfouinfh50/Wn9Jp6jsbpI/AAAAAAAACk8/1vtaJ0lPPGEUzZDTJvtyJSUria0balhqACLcBGAs/s400/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>Rs11 <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">–</span> Water hyssop (<i>Bacopa monnieri</i>)</b></h3>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxVAzn6SmGI/Wn9Mw5faJTI/AAAAAAAAClI/8dtlN8OhM8MZ3yHqwBxk9u92H6A8rB8qACLcBGAs/s1600/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs11%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxVAzn6SmGI/Wn9Mw5faJTI/AAAAAAAAClI/8dtlN8OhM8MZ3yHqwBxk9u92H6A8rB8qACLcBGAs/s320/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs11%2BStamp.jpg" width="211" /></span></a></div>
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<i>B. monnieri</i>, commonly referred to as the water hyssop, is a perennial (lives for more than two years), creeping herb native to the wetlands of southern and Eastern India, the Mascarenes, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America.</div>
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Usually found on marshes of brackish water around coastal areas, <i>B. monnieri</i> is fairly ramified, with roots appearing on the nodes of the branches. The leaves are relatively fleshy, and the solitary flowers are white despite tinges of purple having been observed occasionally.</div>
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The water hyssop is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, where it is also known as "Brahmi", after Brahmā, the creator God of the Hindu pantheon. It is thought to cure epilepsy, asthma, ulcers, tumors, ascites, enlarged spleen, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, and gastroenteritis.</div>
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<i>B. monnieri</i> is listed as 'least concern' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as it is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats.</div>
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<b>Rs13 <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">– </span>Mexican primrose willow (<i>Ludwigia octovalvis</i>)</b></h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qY8ytrsgiM4/Wn9NyPtNs-I/AAAAAAAAClQ/XQONJnxKQP0MQnv6Pv9pXRk_KymE68tkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs13%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="438" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qY8ytrsgiM4/Wn9NyPtNs-I/AAAAAAAAClQ/XQONJnxKQP0MQnv6Pv9pXRk_KymE68tkQCLcBGAs/s320/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs13%2BStamp.jpg" width="206" /></span></a></div>
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<i>L. octovalvis</i> can be found in Central America, the Mascarenes, Australia, South-East Asia, the Middle East, and the Central<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 19.1667px;">–</span>West African regions.</div>
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The Mexican primrose willow is found on wet areas, marshes and along rivers or paths. It grows to one meter tall on average, though old specimens can exceptionally reach up to four metres in height. Its leaves are covered in small hairs and its flowers are yellow in appearance.</div>
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In Mauritius, this species is commonly referred to as "<i>herbe les mares</i>", "<i>herbe gandia</i>" or "<i>herbe Joséphine</i>". Used in herbal medicine, <i>L. octovalvis</i> is known for its anti<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.6667px;">–</span>ageing properties.</div>
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<i>L. octovalvis</i> is usually considered as an invasive species and is also listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.</div>
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Rs16 & Rs31 <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">– </span>Sacred lotus (<i>Nelumbo nucifera</i>)</h3>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HClrtjMjP0/Wn9TdIuNclI/AAAAAAAAClg/38lNJW3SnAY64xi07qsrRVmdmBoWhh5KQCLcBGAs/s1600/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs16%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HClrtjMjP0/Wn9TdIuNclI/AAAAAAAAClg/38lNJW3SnAY64xi07qsrRVmdmBoWhh5KQCLcBGAs/s320/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs16%2BStamp.jpg" width="205" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVcS91KkiXQ/Wn9XeL19sFI/AAAAAAAACls/JQh8PteyOgM0olZkkCFDAYt4s640W7eFwCLcBGAs/s1600/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs31%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="457" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVcS91KkiXQ/Wn9XeL19sFI/AAAAAAAACls/JQh8PteyOgM0olZkkCFDAYt4s640W7eFwCLcBGAs/s320/Freshwater%2BFlora%2BRs31%2BStamp.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
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<i>N. nucifera,</i> commonly known as the lotus or the sacred lotus, is an aquatic perennial native to tropical Asia, and Queensland, Australia. It is the national flower of India and Vietnam.</div>
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<i>N. nucifera</i> normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of 3 metres. Leaves can be as larges as 60 cm in diameter, while its showy flowers may be up to 20 cm in diameter. The colour of flowers range from white, yellow, pink and red to bi<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.6667px;">–</span>colour. <i>N. nucifera</i> is often confused with the water lily, especially the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaea_caerulea" target="_blank">blue water lily (<i>Nymphaea caerulea</i>)</a></div>
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<i>N. nucifera</i> is considered as sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. It is associated to many Asian divinities who are often represented with the flower or the plant itself. Besides, the lotus is also edible; its stems, leaves and seeds can be consumed raw, cooked or ground into flour.</div>
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<i>N. nucifera</i> also has proven anti<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.6667px;">–</span>eutrophication properties. Its large leaves reduce sunlight reaching the lower part of the water. Algae growth is subsequently reduced and oxygen content has been observed to be 20 percent higher.</div>
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The first specimens of the sacred lotus were introduced to Mauritius in the 18th century under French rule. Local specimens can be found at the Pamplemousses botanic garden, and occasionally in private gardens.</div>
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<i>Source: FDC insert and Wikipedia</i></div>
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Technical Details</h3>
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<i>Date of issue</i>: 18 October 2016</div>
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<i>Design</i>: Graphic Dept., the Mauritius Post Ltd</div>
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Stamps size: 27.94 x 44.45 mm</div>
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<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd, Dublin, Ireland</div>
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<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
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<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter</div>
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<i>Watermark</i>: w18 <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.6667px;">–</span> CASCO</div>
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<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
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<i>Courtesy</i>: Dr Claudia Baider, Mauritius Herbarium for the texts</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com212tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-77444074848671529132017-09-21T01:00:00.000+04:002017-09-21T01:10:53.908+04:00Nature Walk<div style="text-align: justify;">
On September 15, 2016, the Mauritius Post in collaboration with the Forestry Service released two "Nature Walk" stamps, depicting Powder Mills Nature Walk (Rs2) in Pamplemousses and Sophie Nature Walk (Rs20) in Plaine Sophie.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXUlhaX9w94/WcGR4Dj5OxI/AAAAAAAACfs/Lk39zFUOhrcrUrUjuqQnns8HzitHGtd9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BWalk%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXUlhaX9w94/WcGR4Dj5OxI/AAAAAAAACfs/Lk39zFUOhrcrUrUjuqQnns8HzitHGtd9QCLcBGAs/s400/Nature%2BWalk%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Forestry Service under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro Industry & Food Security has created three nature walks, namely: Powder Mills Nature Walk, Pamplemousse; Mon Vert Nature Walk, Forest Side; and Sophie Nature Walk, Plaine Sophie. The nature walks were created with a view to providing forest leisure and recreational facilities to local and tourists.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WghP0ZnAZv8/Wb2Zgc52qhI/AAAAAAAACfc/ezI_7bJOU2gN2WrJqlZJHGzLGq8z2AfBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BWalk%2BFull%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="921" height="243" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WghP0ZnAZv8/Wb2Zgc52qhI/AAAAAAAACfc/ezI_7bJOU2gN2WrJqlZJHGzLGq8z2AfBgCLcBGAs/s320/Nature%2BWalk%2BFull%2BSet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The nature walks also provide a great opportunity to learn and appreciate the rich and native biodiversity of Mauritius, their value to society and the need for conservation and protection of fragile ecosystems. The nature walks are managed by the Forestry Service and are open to locals and tourists alike free of charge. The trails are open between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during weekends and on public holidays.<br />
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Rs2 - Powder Mills Nature Walk, Pamplemousses</h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyNCXDVA0oQ/WcLVgZEiI8I/AAAAAAAACgU/aD_4DwhjBmgDNGboFY56DrI9195My_DQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BWalk%2BRs2%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyNCXDVA0oQ/WcLVgZEiI8I/AAAAAAAACgU/aD_4DwhjBmgDNGboFY56DrI9195My_DQQCLcBGAs/s320/Nature%2BWalk%2BRs2%2BStamp.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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Powder Mills Nature Walk is located in Pamplemousses near Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital. Inaugurated on May 17, 2007, the nature walk covers an extent of 60 hectares of State forest land and includes a Visitor's Interpretation Centre, a native plant garden and a medicinal plant garden. A network of 3 km trails with pathways, kiosks, picnic areas has been created for the public to enjoy the natural environment and rare endemic plants.</div>
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The site is also crossed by a river; it also includes a forest nursery where native and ornamental plants are on sale to the public.</div>
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The forest area is under plantation of high value timber species like Mahogany, Teak, Araucaria, Dalbergia, amongst others. The site is one of the few remaining forested areas in the northern part of Mauritius and is associated with historical events and occupies ancient buildings and monuments including remnants of slave camps.</div>
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This nature walk is also considered to be an educational visit site for school children. Each year, the nature walk welcomes 25,000 visitors; guided tours are available on request.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-OYT-z7fVE/WcGSEf07lnI/AAAAAAAACfw/6kgFrw9V_TUNA3JvqP_T8amB8eiQ1a9mgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BWalk%2BBlack%2BRiver%2BGorges%2BNP%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-OYT-z7fVE/WcGSEf07lnI/AAAAAAAACfw/6kgFrw9V_TUNA3JvqP_T8amB8eiQ1a9mgCLcBGAs/s400/Nature%2BWalk%2BBlack%2BRiver%2BGorges%2BNP%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC showing a map of the Black River Gorges National Park which offers nature walks too.</td></tr>
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Rs20 - Sophie Nature Walk, Plaine Sophie</h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBYabripAjk/WcLVnQbAKAI/AAAAAAAACgY/DU4OfsA_vW0CXX1Y8Lm6CC7XGLLBnOVIgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BWalk%2BRs20%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="424" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBYabripAjk/WcLVnQbAKAI/AAAAAAAACgY/DU4OfsA_vW0CXX1Y8Lm6CC7XGLLBnOVIgCLcBGAs/s320/Nature%2BWalk%2BRs20%2BStamp.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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The Sophie Nature Walk is located at Plaine Sophie, near Mare aux Vacoas reservoir. The nature walk covers 10 hectares of State forest land. It also forms part of the catchment area of the Mare aux Vacoas reservoir and consists of mostly of pine plantation managed mainly for ecosystem services, i.e. for soil and water conservation. The region was previously covered with a dense native forest of upland vegetation type. The remnants can still be found at Perrier Nature Reserves in the northern extremity of Plaine Sophie.</div>
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Inaugurated on August 1, 2013, the nature walk also includes a Visitor's Interpretation Centre, an Arboretum, a Forest Museum exhibiting formerly used forestry manual tools, a Fernery/ Orchidarium, water features, kiosks and picnic areas.</div>
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A 3 km network of trails and pathways has been created across the forest. The trail goes along Mare aux Vacoas reservoir enabling visitors to enjoy the shade and assess the relevance of a forest as a rain catchment area. Native flora and fauna thrive in the forest. Each year, Sophie Nature Walk welcomes about 8,000 visitors.<br />
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<i>Source: FDC insert</i><br />
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The third nature walk - Mon Vert Nature Walk - did not make it on any stamp.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOyvaS_dWJ4/WcGSn81cYII/AAAAAAAACf4/dApHUckSDCwr38ZYwheq8lh0laL27xaswCLcBGAs/s1600/Nature%2BWalk%2BLe%2BDauguet%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOyvaS_dWJ4/WcGSn81cYII/AAAAAAAACf4/dApHUckSDCwr38ZYwheq8lh0laL27xaswCLcBGAs/s400/Nature%2BWalk%2BLe%2BDauguet%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC postmarked at Monneron Hill PO and showing Le Dauguet Nature Trail in Port Louis.<br />
Le Dauguet was reinstated and embellished in 2015. </td></tr>
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Technical Details</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Date of issue</i>: 15 September 2017</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Illustration</i>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Rs2 - Powder Mills Nature Walk, Pamplemousses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Rs20 - Sophie Nature Walk, Plaine Sophie</span><br />
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Design</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">: Graphic Dept., The Mauritius Post Ltd</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Stamps size</i>: 29.94 x 44.45 mm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Process</i>: Lithography</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</span></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-83456942555476168672017-09-17T01:29:00.000+04:002017-09-21T01:01:51.639+04:00Bicentenary of the Baudin Expedition (1801-2001)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Mauritius Postal Services released on 13 June 2001 a set of four stamps to mark the bicentenary of the Baudin Expedition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, commissioned Post-Captain Nicolas Baudin to explore the South-West, West and Northern coastline of New Holland, later to be known as Australia. As the observations were to be conducted in the fields of geography and natural history, the leading ship was named <i>Géographe</i>, its consort vessel under the Commander Emmanuel Hamelin, <i>Naturaliste</i>. A third vessel, the <i>Casuarina</i> was later purchased at Port Jackson.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02-8w1s58aE/Wb18Htu65aI/AAAAAAAACeo/g5A1nqv7q2Eva9XYLqjUa6UTytXGl7RqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02-8w1s58aE/Wb18Htu65aI/AAAAAAAACeo/g5A1nqv7q2Eva9XYLqjUa6UTytXGl7RqQCLcBGAs/s400/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Institut National had recommended the appointment of a number of scientists, including botanists and zoologists, and some artists, Jacques Gérard Gilbert joining as chief draughtsman.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The expedition sailed on October 19, 1800 from the French port of Le Havre and reached Isle de France (Mauritius) on March 16, 1801. When it sailed again on April 25, a number of scientists and artists including Milbert and Garnier declined to continue on the journey on the grounds of illness. Baudin then appointed Charles-Alexandre Lesueur and Nicolas-Martin Petit to replace the defecting artists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv_pRXoX6uI/Wb1-6Hud5cI/AAAAAAAACfI/nYpy6sDHGLU11Z4GTy4roEmnxhsh8h6MACLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="1600" height="123" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv_pRXoX6uI/Wb1-6Hud5cI/AAAAAAAACfI/nYpy6sDHGLU11Z4GTy4roEmnxhsh8h6MACLcBGAs/s400/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BSet.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hamelin called again briefly at Isle de France in February 1803 carrying back to France the live animals and part of the collections. Baudin, gravely ill, returned from the uncompleted exploration of the northern coastline of New Holland in August. He brought back an exceptional collection of zoological, botanical and anthropological specimens, enhanced by the excellent illustrations of the artists. On Baudin's death in September, Commander Pierre Bernard Milius was appointed to take the expedition back to France. The time spent on the island by the scientists and artists yielded interesting information on its topography, fauna, especially the marine fauna and flora. The <i>Géographe</i> left Isle de France on December 16, 1803 and reached Lorient on March 24, 1804.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Re1 - <i>Géographe</i> and <i>Naturaliste</i></span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbS1CiIOjtw/Wb18d5mLwwI/AAAAAAAACes/Dolq4LOGAskZ4Y-VAYB_MKAAdGdEdgtgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRe1%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="641" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbS1CiIOjtw/Wb18d5mLwwI/AAAAAAAACes/Dolq4LOGAskZ4Y-VAYB_MKAAdGdEdgtgQCLcBGAs/s320/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRe1%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The stamp portrays the two ships on the high seas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rs4 - Itinerary of the Voyage</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUJwIswenoc/Wb18m2CKcMI/AAAAAAAACew/I1XHC2EbbOQ4o6HOk72a8Nf6u5fT_SYIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRs4%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="612" height="254" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUJwIswenoc/Wb18m2CKcMI/AAAAAAAACew/I1XHC2EbbOQ4o6HOk72a8Nf6u5fT_SYIwCLcBGAs/s320/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRs4%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The stamp depicts the route taken by the ships on both the inward and outward journeys and the portrait of Baudin. Nicolas Thomas Baudin was born in Ile de Ré, France on February 17, 1754 and died of tuberculosis in Port Louis, Isle de France on September 16, 1803.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rs6 - <i>Phedina borbonica</i></span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSToVvIO9Y0/Wb18rEOsJ3I/AAAAAAAACe0/Q3qlZzj7tGYAGgExK6hV685R_0JEmU1gQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRs6%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="617" height="258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSToVvIO9Y0/Wb18rEOsJ3I/AAAAAAAACe0/Q3qlZzj7tGYAGgExK6hV685R_0JEmU1gQCLcBGAs/s320/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRs6%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The stamps features the picture of an indigenous bird of Mauritius, the <i>Phedina borbonica</i> brought back by the expedition. It was painted by Charles-Alexandre Lesueur, born at Le Havre, in 1778 and deceased at Sainte-Adresse on December 12, 1846. He had been promoted draughtsman on the defection of Milbert.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rs10 - Account by Péron</span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HbnNuWY6iY/Wb19r9sVAJI/AAAAAAAACe8/qrvIh4UFnoMyETWWp7upMpnwm9TeZjtaACLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRs10%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HbnNuWY6iY/Wb19r9sVAJI/AAAAAAAACe8/qrvIh4UFnoMyETWWp7upMpnwm9TeZjtaACLcBGAs/s320/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BRs10%2BStamp.jpg" width="206" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">François Péron who had joined the expedition as trainee zoologist, was born in Cérilly on August 22, 1775 and died there on December 14, 1810. He had during the journey the opportunity to become the main zoologist of the expedition and to observe natural main in his environment, thereby able to contribute the early writings in anthropology. He was instructed by the government to write the historical part of the Voyage. The first volume of the Historique du Voyage de découvertes aux Terres australes appeared in 1807. The stamp shows the title page and the portrait of Péron.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
First Day Cover Illustration</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The FDC features an engraving by J. Milbert showing the estate of Madame Querivel where Baudin </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">died.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i>Source: FDC insert</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qR5ojvcZd9g/Wb19y-dfSsI/AAAAAAAACfA/Gb_A7tjylFkyPBjJ12d8YSPzkryWuMDRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BFDC%2BSigned%2Bby%2BDesigner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qR5ojvcZd9g/Wb19y-dfSsI/AAAAAAAACfA/Gb_A7tjylFkyPBjJ12d8YSPzkryWuMDRgCLcBGAs/s400/Bicentenary%2Bof%2BBaudin%2BExpedition%2BFDC%2BSigned%2Bby%2BDesigner.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">FDC signed by the designer, Anthony 'Tony' Theobald.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Technical Details</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Date of issue</i>: 13 June 2001</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Illustration</i>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Re1 - <i>Géographe</i> & <i>Naturaliste</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Rs4 - Itinerary of the Voyage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Rs6 - <i>Phedina borbonica</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i>Rs10 - Account by Péron</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Designer</i>: Anthony Theobald</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Stamps size</i>: 27.94 x 44.45 mm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Printer</i>: The House of Questa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Process</i>: Lithography</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set on two panes of 25 separated by gutter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Paper</i>: Crown Agents watermark</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Gum</i>: PVA</span></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-42447328521411386402016-08-29T20:22:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:29:49.827+04:00First Mauritius - Rodrigues Flight, 13 September 1972<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
first flight to Rodrigues operated by Air Mauritius was on 13 September 1972 by
a Piper Navajo PA-31 leased from Air Madagascar.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pt0j48OoFbM/V7Dj35PR8SI/AAAAAAAACQs/T4XKcXv2sxwd64tROEWcVnABFD51PO1HwCLcB/s1600/First%2BMauritius-Rodrigues%2BFlight%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pt0j48OoFbM/V7Dj35PR8SI/AAAAAAAACQs/T4XKcXv2sxwd64tROEWcVnABFD51PO1HwCLcB/s400/First%2BMauritius-Rodrigues%2BFlight%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This aircraft was the first
Air Mauritius owned. Prior to that, it operated merely as a ground-handling agent
for other airlines flying to Mauritius. Today, Air Mauritius operates daily flights to an from Rodrigues using its ATR 72-500s.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mev1R6Nkts/V7Dj7cREZMI/AAAAAAAACQw/KyWdNAit7JgsTM7WukDZYWqYGbVYeZHcACLcB/s1600/First%2BMauritius-Rodrigues%2BFlight%2BSCC%2BBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mev1R6Nkts/V7Dj7cREZMI/AAAAAAAACQw/KyWdNAit7JgsTM7WukDZYWqYGbVYeZHcACLcB/s400/First%2BMauritius-Rodrigues%2BFlight%2BSCC%2BBack.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">First Flight Cover handstamped <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">upon arrival in Rodrigues on 13 September 1972 itself.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<i>Source: Aviation History in Mauritius, 2014.</i> <a href="http://pages.intnet.mu/fullspot/Aviation.htm" target="_blank">http://pages.intnet.mu/fullspot/Aviation.htm</a><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Technical Details:</span></u></b></h4>
<br />
<i>Release date</i>: 13 September 1972<br />
<i>Stamps</i>: 10c – Theatre façade (from the 150th Anniversary of the Port Louis Theatre Issue of 26 June 1972)<br />
15c – Sea urchin, <i>oursin</i> (from the Marine Life Definitive Issue of 12 March 1969)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-15958799211760020812016-08-26T17:17:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:31:54.929+04:00Centenary of the Ganga Talao Pilgrimage (1898-1998)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ganga Talao is a natural lake located in Grand Bassin, Savanne district, in the Central Plateau. It is an important place of worship for Hindus and a centre of pilgrimage especially during the Maha Shivaratree festival.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elN2_1alrW8/V7DS4Ecua4I/AAAAAAAACQU/OYU76vd9YHcSAKrRDyjNfItRXOKsPbdmACLcB/s1600/Centenary%2Bof%2BGanga%2BTalao%2BPilgrimage%2B%25281898-1998%2529%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elN2_1alrW8/V7DS4Ecua4I/AAAAAAAACQU/OYU76vd9YHcSAKrRDyjNfItRXOKsPbdmACLcB/s400/Centenary%2Bof%2BGanga%2BTalao%2BPilgrimage%2B%25281898-1998%2529%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This lake of magnificent beauty with its pure, limpid water was chosen as a suitable site in connection with the Maha Shivaratree festival by a deeply religious priest of Triolet, Pamplemousses district, Pandit Jhummungeer Gossagne Napal, who officiated the first religious service at Ganga Talao.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to existing records, a group of nine persons from Triolet led by Pandit Sajiwanlal Sharma undertook the first pilgrimage to Grand Bassin in 1898. It was a remarkable feat given that it took place under the harsh times of the Indenture system and without any proper access facilities to the Holy lake. The feat however ushered in a tradition which was to gather momentum and become a national event.<br />
<br />
Every year now, between February and March (the exact date changes every year), pilgrims from all over Mauritius converge to Ganga Talao on foot, wearing white, symbol of purity. Some carry <i>'kanwars'</i>, colourfully decorated altars. <i>Kanwars </i>have highly varied in size and shape over the past few years, some even being fitted with wheels as being too heavy to carry by hand.<br />
<br />
Once at Ganga Talao, pilgrims fulfil prayers and collect some water from the Holy lake. They then return home, still on foot, and pour the collected water onto their respective <i>kovil</i>'s (Hindu temple) <i>'Shivalingam'</i>, a sacred stone representing Lord Shiva.<br />
<br />
Volunteers serve refreshments and food along the way to pilgrims around the clock.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>Technical Details</u></b></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Release date</i>: 20 February 1998</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Stamps</i>: Re1 - Mangrove (<i>Rhizophora mucronata</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rs4 - Fern Tree (1994 reprint)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the Protection of the Environment Definitive Issue of 1989/1990</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-75624026849163360362016-08-23T19:33:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:41:39.676+04:00200 Years of the National Archives (1815-2015)<div style="text-align: justify;">
To mark the bicentenary of the National Archives, the Mauritius Post released on December 7, 2015 a Rs 10 stamp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Odi_3NFhxTs/V4gEAduMTvI/AAAAAAAACJY/n4l0g57cKMURtlHvzLCPOFPafRg-14zHwCLcB/s1600/200th%2BAnniversary%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNational%2BArchives%2Bof%2BMauritius%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Odi_3NFhxTs/V4gEAduMTvI/AAAAAAAACJY/n4l0g57cKMURtlHvzLCPOFPafRg-14zHwCLcB/s400/200th%2BAnniversary%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNational%2BArchives%2Bof%2BMauritius%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The National Archives of Mauritius is a public body operating under of the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture. Although it has its origins from the early settlement in the island dating back to 1721 when the first French settlers came to Mauritius, then Isle de France, its official operation as an institution was proclaimed in 1815 during the British rule of the island.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The National Archives, besides being the main repository for housing records of national significance, is the guardian of such records and guarantees their authenticity. Its principal functions are to select, preserve and make accessible public records as reliable sources of evidence for historical, legal, financial, administrative, cultural, genealogical and other purposes. Users of these documents, at both national and international levels, include students, genealogists, individuals, historians, economists, scientists, researchers, journalists, notaries, tourists, organisations, government officials, other professionals and the public in general.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Holdings</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The holdings of the National Archives can be traced as far back as the beginning of Dutch settlement in the island in 1598, and now amount to more than 150,000 volumes in both manuscript and printed formats.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The national collection includes records of French and British administrations of the island, notarial deeds dating back to 1724, copies of maps and plans, stamps, currency notes and coins, minutes of proceedings of municipalities and district councils, lithographs, portraits, photographs, seals and private papers, civil status and census reports and reference library materials.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Technical services</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Reprographic Section provides photocopy services and carries out scanning of records kept in the custody of the National Archives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MKQJfevrSY/V4gEXvfmriI/AAAAAAAACJc/yMpG4eeKjvM9X1xHWP-U-6H7GEpT2XRIwCLcB/s1600/200th%2BAnniversary%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNational%2BArchives%2Bof%2BMauritius%2BRs10%2BSt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MKQJfevrSY/V4gEXvfmriI/AAAAAAAACJc/yMpG4eeKjvM9X1xHWP-U-6H7GEpT2XRIwCLcB/s400/200th%2BAnniversary%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNational%2BArchives%2Bof%2BMauritius%2BRs10%2BSt.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Digitisation</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The National Archives has digitised part of its collections which date back to the 18th century, in order to make them accessible to its users via the internet. The online collection can be consulted on the following address: <a href="http://nationalarchives.govmu.org/" target="_blank">http://nationalarchives.govmu.org</a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Publications</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The National Archives Research and Publication Fund finances the publication of research works of archival value produced by the Research Unit of the National Archives and manuscripts of private individuals who have made extensive research in the public archives kept at the National Archives. To date the Fund has financed the printing of seventeen publications.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
</h4>
<h3>
Memory of World Register UNESCO</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The records of the French occupation of Mauritius were among the first set of records recommended for inclusion in the Memory of World Register in 1997 by UNESCO. These records form part of the key holdings of the National Archives collections. They document the French Colonial Administration on the island. The collections of records pertaining to Indian Immigration and slavery have also been extensively used in the preparation of the dossiers for the successful inscription and recognition of the Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne sites on the Memory of World Register of UNESCO in 2006 and 2008 respectively. <a href="http://mauritianphilatelicblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/mauritius-in-world-heritage.html" target="_blank">They are now known as World Heritage Sites</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Source: FDC insert</i><br />
<h3>
Technical details</h3>
<i>Date of issue</i>: 7 December 2015<br />
<i>Illustration</i>: Rs10 - The National Archives<br />
<i>Graphic works</i>: Graphic Unit (The Mauritius Post)<br />
<i>Size</i>: 29.94 x 44.45 mm<br />
<i>Printer</i>:Lowe-Martin (Canada)<br />
<i>Process</i>: Lithography<br />
<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set on two panes of 25 separated by gutter<br />
<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO<br />
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-2802640725987042072016-08-20T22:06:00.004+04:002017-09-17T01:43:03.355+04:001st Anniversary of the Inscription of the Sega Tipik on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity<div style="text-align: justify;">
To mark the first anniversary of the inscription of the Traditional Mauritian Sega on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the National Heritage Fund in collaboration with the Mauritius Post issued a Special Commemorative Cover on 27 November 2015.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUxPQwDZFZ8/V44F_RZyoMI/AAAAAAAACKA/wMrTfWLUAI0s45r-TNoeunTGuXPlVsEsQCLcB/s1600/1st%2BAnniv%2BInscription%2BSega%2BTipik%2BUNESCO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUxPQwDZFZ8/V44F_RZyoMI/AAAAAAAACKA/wMrTfWLUAI0s45r-TNoeunTGuXPlVsEsQCLcB/s400/1st%2BAnniv%2BInscription%2BSega%2BTipik%2BUNESCO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Origins</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Born within the Creole community, s<i>ega tipik </i>is a musical and dance expression that serves as a symbol of Mauritian identity. Mauritian sega is a unique performing art encompassing music, song and dance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The traditional sega arose in the 18th century when African cultures converged in the context of slavery, providing enslaved people of Mauritius a measure of freedom and self-expression. After the abolition of slavery in 1835, <i>sega tipik</i> continued in Mauritian coastal areas where many former slaves moved to.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Main characterisitics</span></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some main elements characterising <i>sega</i> <i>tipik</i> include the dance, the music, the lyrics, but also the instruments, the context and the language.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ensemble of the three traditional instruments: <i>ravann</i> (a frame drum), <i>maravann</i> (a rattle), <i>triyang</i> (the triangle), is the basis of the <i>sega tipik</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KynIF_Ozs_k/V44GnsfS_pI/AAAAAAAACKI/RDvnqhtDnD0TN_36RCovUogppPOJ6AkRwCLcB/s1600/1st%2BAnniv%2BInscription%2BSega%2BTipik%2BUNESCO%2BTriyang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KynIF_Ozs_k/V44GnsfS_pI/AAAAAAAACKI/RDvnqhtDnD0TN_36RCovUogppPOJ6AkRwCLcB/s320/1st%2BAnniv%2BInscription%2BSega%2BTipik%2BUNESCO%2BTriyang.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Triyang</i> (the triangle)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lyrics are sometimes improvised by a soloist in Mauritian Creole language. Themes include suffering, daily life or stories. Dance is performed by couples or one woman dancing with several partners in a circle formed by the musicians and the audience.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Performance</span></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The context of the performance including generally the fire used to heat the <i>ravann </i>is also one of the elements forming integral part of the <i>sega tipik. </i>It was performed in various contexts and consequently there are various forms of traditional sega according to the context and occasion of performance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>sega</i> performance is an occasion to meet, share and socialise, creating a sense of community belonging, a means of social regulation and allowing social cohesion around a shared cultural practice.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity</span></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, the "<i>sega tipik morisien</i>" is considered the de facto national dance and music of Mauritius. It is a symbol national identity and breaks cultural and class barriers, creating opportunities for intercultural encounters and unifying various groups around a shared Mauritian Heritage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As of 27 November 2014, <i>sega tipik morisien</i> has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Interestingly, <i>sega</i> is present in different variations all across south east Indian Ocean where slavery was in practice: <i>sega</i> <i>tambour</i> from Rodrigues, <i>maloya</i> from Reunion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0fYd3EdmKw/V44Hmug2hhI/AAAAAAAACKU/5TMSLGvHgAAp_c-CtkYablXuOMlryDsLQCLcB/s1600/1st%2BAnniv%2BInscription%2BSega%2BTipik%2BUNESCO%2BInsert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0fYd3EdmKw/V44Hmug2hhI/AAAAAAAACKU/5TMSLGvHgAAp_c-CtkYablXuOMlryDsLQCLcB/s400/1st%2BAnniv%2BInscription%2BSega%2BTipik%2BUNESCO%2BInsert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Ti frère </i>who features on the Rs5 stamp on the Special Cover is a very famous Mauritian performer of <i>sega tipik</i>. His most famous songs include Papitou, Anita and Roseda. Other popular artists include late Michel Legris, Fanfan, Serge Lebrasse, Roger and Marie Josée Clency, Nancy Dérougère among others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Text is adapted from the insert.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This Special Cover is available for free at the National Heritage Fund Office, 4th Floor, Fon Sing Building, 12 Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis 11302.</i><br />
<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Technical Details</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<i>Release date: </i>27 November 2015</div>
<div>
<i>Stamp: </i>Rs5 - Alphonse Ravaton,<i> Ti Frère </i>(1900-1992)</div>
<div>
<i> </i> From the Famous Mauritians issue of 13 December 2000</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Short video of <i>Ti</i> <i>frère</i> performing <i>Papitou</i>: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv6u8GNivr8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv6u8GNivr8</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nancy Dérougère performing Diva Sega: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI8j6n3GNUM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI8j6n3GNUM</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Video on <i>sega tambour</i> from Rodrigues: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5jOe80XcFU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5jOe80XcFU</a> (as from 7:09)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Video on <i>maloya</i> from Reunion: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww-w4BuWLQk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww-w4BuWLQk</a></div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-48025953841676818052016-08-18T22:51:00.001+04:002017-09-17T01:44:43.030+04:00300th Anniversary of the French Landing in Mauritius/ 300e anniversaire de l'arrivée des Français à l'Ile Maurice (1715-2015)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mauritius Post released jointly with La Poste a Rs 17 and a 0,76 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">€</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> on 25 September 2015 to mark the 300th anniversary of the French landing in Mauritius.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhE_D7wmMYU/V4f7TpwirlI/AAAAAAAACIo/OcK-2bmrQ7AjMP3YF-OBlYBUyzc-4kxJgCLcB/s1600/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhE_D7wmMYU/V4f7TpwirlI/AAAAAAAACIo/OcK-2bmrQ7AjMP3YF-OBlYBUyzc-4kxJgCLcB/s400/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official FDC from Mauritius posted to the UK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Acting on behalf of the East India Company which was already occupying Bourbon Island - today Réunion - Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel, a sailor from Saint Malo, landed in Mauritius on board the ship "<i>Le Chasseur</i>" ("The Hunter") on 27 August 1715. The Dutch had previously left the island in 1710 having ruled over it since 1598.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After having ensured that the island was not inhabited, he took possession thereof on behalf of the King of France on 20 September 1715 and renamed it Isle de France. The first settlers arrived from Bourbon Island in December 1721 and from France in April 1722.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5phM8ZYduQ/V4gAuZOvTwI/AAAAAAAACI8/8PxUse80TnM3pSYJHMTI3i3y_Zaq3cxGgCLcB/s1600/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BRs17%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5phM8ZYduQ/V4gAuZOvTwI/AAAAAAAACI8/8PxUse80TnM3pSYJHMTI3i3y_Zaq3cxGgCLcB/s400/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BRs17%2BStamp.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Chasseur entering the Baie des Moluques with Tropicbirds flying around it.<br />
A historic map of Mauritius is watermarked on the top left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The harsh climate and the low population made initial development an arduous task. However from 1735 onwards, the new governor, Bertrand François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, encouraged immigration including skilled labour and undertook a construction programme to set up the colony on solid foundations: roads, aqueducts, brickyards, sugar cane and cassava fields. This programme made life easier for the settlers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The capital Port Louis, became a supply harbour for the French navy, and played a major part in the economic activity of the country, which well-known privateers - such as Surcouf - made famous. France ruled over Mauritius until 1810 and then gave up its rights to England who colonised the island until its independence in 1968.<br />
<br />
Today, French presence in Mauritius takes mostly the form of the French language, taught at school and spoken fairly fluently by a good portion of the population, but also Mauritian Creole, a language derived from French and the mother tongue of the majority of Mauritians. Mauritian Creole is the cement that brings together the Mauritian people of diverse origins, yet of converging futures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Illustrated scenery of Port Louis entrance during the 1715 period</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc4NJjauOR0/V4gALJ-wS3I/AAAAAAAACI4/RXmxgOv_ddg2PUEqqnjJd8_qjNmT1SmlQCLcB/s1600/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BPostcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc4NJjauOR0/V4gALJ-wS3I/AAAAAAAACI4/RXmxgOv_ddg2PUEqqnjJd8_qjNmT1SmlQCLcB/s400/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BPostcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard published by the Mauritius Post showing the entrance of Port Louis<br />
back when the French landed in Mauritius. Illustration is by Julian Hume.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The illustration on the First Day Cover and on the postcard issued by the Mauritius Post depicts the most probable environment which Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel met with when he landed with his crew through the "<i>Baie des Moluques</i>".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The mountains of the Moka Range surrounding Port Louis were once heavily forested, with trees growing from the summits right down to the shoreline. The forest was dominated by palms, especially the Hurricane palm (<i>Dictyosperma album</i>) and the Blue Latan palm (<i>Latania loddigesii</i>); by Vacoas (<i>Pandanus sp.</i>); and by ebony (<i>Diospyros sp.</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The coastal waterways in which Dugongs (<i>Dugong dugon</i>) were once extremely common, were intersected with small forest-covered islets. The Dodo (<i>Raphus cucullatus</i>) , Mauritian sheldgoose (<i>Alophen mauritiana</i>), Echo Parakeet (<i>Psittacula eques echo</i>), <a href="http://mauritianphilatelicblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/extinct-mauritian-giant-tortoises.html" target="_blank">Mauritian Giant Tortoises (<i>Cylindraspis sp.</i>)</a>, and a range of other endemic Mauritian animals all occurred in forests and on the coast where present-day Port Louis now stands. By the time of the French landing in 1715, the forests surrounding Port Louis were still comparatively intact, but the Dodo was extinct, and the goose, dugong and tortoises almost so.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Source: FDC insert</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">300e anniversaire du débarquement des Français à l'Ile Maurice (1715-2015)</span></i></h3>
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kk5yf_08bM/V4f_weuUUuI/AAAAAAAACI0/NAz-eVWHE-szJN5xh2fYmmqck38NcWZegCLcB/s1600/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BFDC%2Bfrom%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kk5yf_08bM/V4f_weuUUuI/AAAAAAAACI0/NAz-eVWHE-szJN5xh2fYmmqck38NcWZegCLcB/s400/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BFDC%2Bfrom%2BFrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC from France to Mauritius (La Poste do not issue official FDCs).<br />
Thank you very much Roland, and Eric without whom this would not have been possibl.e</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Mandaté par la Compagnie Française des Indes Orientales, qui colonisait déjà l'Ile Bourbon - aujourd'hui La Réunion - Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel, un marin français originaire de Saint Malo, débarqua à l'Ile Maurice </i><i>à bord du navire "Le Chasseur"</i><i> le 27 août 1715. Les Hollandais avaient préalablement déserté l'île en 1710 après y avoir régné depuis 1598.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Après s'être assuré que l'île était déserte, il en prit possession le 20 septembre 1715 au nom du Roi de France at la renomma Isle de France. Les premiers colons arrivèrent en décembre 1721 de l'Ile Bourbon et en avril 1722 de la France.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Le climat et la très faible population rendirent l'implantation initiale très difficile mais, à partir de 1735, le nouveau gouverneur, Bertrand François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, encouragea l'immigration y compris celle de la main d'oeuvre qualifiée et entreprit un programme de construction qui établit enfin la colonie sur des bases solides: routes, aqueducs, moulins, briqueteries, champs de canne à sucre et de manioc. Ces développements favorisèrent l'arrivée des colons.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Port Louis, la capitale, devint un port de ravitaillement de la marine française et fournit à la communauté l'essentiel de son activité que des grands noms, comme celui du corsaire Surcouf, rendront célèbre. La France occupa l'île jusqu'en 1810, année à laquelle elle cèdera ses droits à l'Angleterre qui l'administrera jusqu'à son indépendance en 1968.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Aujourd'hui la présence française à l'Ile Maurice se fait toujours sentir à travers la langue française, enseignée à l'école et parlée assez couramment par une bonne partie de la population, mais aussi à travers le créole mauricien, langue dérivée du français et langue maternelle de la majorité des Mauriciens. Le créole mauricien est le ciment qui unit la population mauricienne, d'origines diverses mais d'avenirs convergents.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Source: encart du pli premier jour</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Paysage illustré de l'entrée de Port Louis pendant la période 1715.</span></i></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hByruq3R8hU/V7G22CM_zQI/AAAAAAAACRc/UbBd-ZImN0kDefJ64_MFP2V1eI4Um2QwQCLcB/s1600/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BMaxicard%2BMauritiu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hByruq3R8hU/V7G22CM_zQI/AAAAAAAACRc/UbBd-ZImN0kDefJ64_MFP2V1eI4Um2QwQCLcB/s400/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BMaxicard%2BMauritiu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maxicard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>L'illustration sur le pli premier jour montre le milieu le plus probable que Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel a croisé quand il mit pied à terre avec son équipage dans la Baie des Moluques.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Les montagnes de la chaîne de Moka entourant Port Louis étaient autrefois densément boisés, avec des arbres poussant du sommet jusqu'au rivage. La forêt était dominé par les palmiers, notamment le Palmier Ouragan (Dictyosperma album) et le Latanier bleu (Latania loddigesii) endémique de l'Ile Maurice, mais aussi par le Vacoas (Pandanus sp.) et le Bois d'Ebène (Diospyros sp.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Les cours d'eau dans lesquels les dugongs (Dugong dugon) étaient autrefois très communs, croisaient des îlots couverts de forêts. Le Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), l'Oie de l'Ile Maurice (Alopochen mauritiana), la Grosse Cateau Verte (Psittacula eques echo), des Tortues Géantes de l'Ile Maurice (Cylindraspis sp.) and une variété d'autres espèces endémiques de l'Ile Maurice vivaient dans les forêts et sur la côte où Port Louis se trouve actuellement.</i><br />
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<i>Lorsque les Français débarquèrent en 1715, les forêts entourant Port Louis étaient relativement vierges, mais le Dodo avait déjà disparu, et l'oie, le dugong et les tortues pratiquement.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54XLUU9gg74/V4gCVnNsjRI/AAAAAAAACJM/9aYQ3htHQ2sz0nUvvbChTiKRqSFZoxPOQCLcB/s1600/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BOfficial%2BSSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54XLUU9gg74/V4gCVnNsjRI/AAAAAAAACJM/9aYQ3htHQ2sz0nUvvbChTiKRqSFZoxPOQCLcB/s400/300th%2BAnniversary%2BFrench%2BLanding%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BOfficial%2BSSC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Souvenir Cover released by the Mauritius Post featuring both stamps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Technical details/ <i>Détails techniques</i>:</span></b></h3>
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Date of issue/<i> Date d'émission: </i>25 September 2015/ 25 septembre 2015<br />
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Illustration/ <i>Illustration: </i>Rs17 - <i>Le Chasseur</i> entering the <i>Baie des Moluques</i> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropicbird" target="_blank">Tropicbirds</a> flying around it. A historic map of Mauritius is watermarked on the top right./ <i>Le Chasseur entrant dans la Baie aux Moluques avec des <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaethon" target="_blank">phaétons, ou paille-en-queue</a>, volant autour. Une carte historique de l'Ile Maurice est en filigrane en haut à droite.</i><br />
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Stamp design/ <i>Illustration du timbre: </i>Franck Bonnet (France)<br />
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FDC illustration/<i> Illustration du pli premier jour</i>: Julian Hume (England/ <i>Angleterre</i>)<br />
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Size/<i> Dimensions: </i>30 x 40.85 mm<br />
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Printer/ <i>Imprimeur: </i>Phil@poste (France)<br />
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Process/<i> Procédé: </i>Offset/ <i>Presse offset</i><br />
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Number per sheet/ <i>Nombre par feuille: </i>50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter/ <i>50 timbres sur deux feuillets de 25 séparés par une vignette</i><br />
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Watermark/<i> Filigrane: </i>none/ <i>aucun</i><br />
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Courtesy of/<i> Fourni par: </i>The Mauritius Post, La Poste<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pictures of the Tricentennial Monument unveiled on Sunday 20 September 2015/ <i>Photos du monument commémoratif du tricentennaire dévoilé le dimanche 20 septembre 2015</i>:</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWde7L4GV2k/V7jDQ0epV2I/AAAAAAAACS8/7NyQOtRSQ8gsjLbCR6fpQLAFfs2v1glegCLcB/s1600/IMAG1066%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWde7L4GV2k/V7jDQ0epV2I/AAAAAAAACS8/7NyQOtRSQ8gsjLbCR6fpQLAFfs2v1glegCLcB/s400/IMAG1066%255B1%255D.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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The monument is found in front of the Blue Penny Museum, at the Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis<br />
<i>Le monument se trouve en face du </i>Blue Penny Museum<i>, au </i>Caudan Waterfront<i> à Port Louis.</i><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sq5pvzwQbUc/V7jCP4tyaeI/AAAAAAAACS4/uIPp1ESLa_owO7eXSO9bswkWoPt2Dd3bgCLcB/s1600/IMAG1070%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sq5pvzwQbUc/V7jCP4tyaeI/AAAAAAAACS4/uIPp1ESLa_owO7eXSO9bswkWoPt2Dd3bgCLcB/s400/IMAG1070%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCyKy3e20Nk/V7jD2fXXZTI/AAAAAAAACTE/vfv5HNcHMPkxZWYJkHwcwzBDRcMzB6iwQCLcB/s1600/IMAG1067%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCyKy3e20Nk/V7jD2fXXZTI/AAAAAAAACTE/vfv5HNcHMPkxZWYJkHwcwzBDRcMzB6iwQCLcB/s400/IMAG1067%255B1%255D.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36LjmMlPIk/V7jEAiG4qsI/AAAAAAAACTI/ysne6dIuCWwVGP9UMi2PiTCBghTALkjowCLcB/s1600/IMAG1068%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36LjmMlPIk/V7jEAiG4qsI/AAAAAAAACTI/ysne6dIuCWwVGP9UMi2PiTCBghTALkjowCLcB/s400/IMAG1068%255B1%255D.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Some interesting links in French on this tricentennial:</span></b></h3>
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Marc Hein.<i> Il y a 300 ans – début de la colonisation française</i> (lemauricien.com, 28 August 2014) <a href="http://www.lemauricien.com/article/il-y-300-ans-debut-la-colonisation-francaise" target="_blank">http://www.lemauricien.com/article/il-y-300-ans-debut-la-colonisation-francaise</a><br />
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Jean-Claude Montocchio. <i>300e anniversaire de l'arrivée des Français à Maurice </i>(lemauricien.com, 27 September 2015, published in Week-End) <a href="http://www.lemauricien.com/article/300e-anniversaire-larrivee-des-francais-maurice" target="_blank">http://www.lemauricien.com/article/300e-anniversaire-larrivee-des-francais-maurice</a> - this article focuses on the stamps themselves, very interesting points made from a philatelic and a historic perspectives.<br />
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Very interesting video by l'express.mu: <a href="http://www.lexpress.mu/video/269289/tricentenaire-une-presence-francaise-dans-chaque-region-maurice" target="_blank">http://www.lexpress.mu/video/269289/tricentenaire-une-presence-francaise-dans-chaque-region-maurice</a><br />
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Facebook page related to this milestone: Maurice - France: un destin lié depuis 300 ans <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Maurice-France-un-destin-li%C3%A9-depuis-300-ans-719138754880941/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Maurice-France-un-destin-li%C3%A9-depuis-300-ans-719138754880941/</a></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-77592769593165405722016-08-16T20:21:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:38:18.510+04:002nd Closure of Octopus Fishing in Mauritius<div style="text-align: justify;">
On 15 August 2016, octopus fishing was officially closed in Mauritius till 15 October 2016. In 2015, octopus fishing was closed from 10 August till 10 October from Le Morne to Souillac in the south of Mauritius on a pilot project to trial this programme which is already in place in Rodrigues since 2012.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6536X2ycmac/V7MtOdsYAWI/AAAAAAAACRw/vYy1WjRqnWUcik3-rmlJmRIos2gj-OC3wCLcB/s1600/2nd%2BClosure%2Bof%2BOctopus%2BFishing%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6536X2ycmac/V7MtOdsYAWI/AAAAAAAACRw/vYy1WjRqnWUcik3-rmlJmRIos2gj-OC3wCLcB/s400/2nd%2BClosure%2Bof%2BOctopus%2BFishing%2Bin%2BMauritius%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The 2016 closure is the first one at national level in Mauritius, including Agaléga. </div>
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The main reason behind this measure is the drastic decline in volume of octopus fished every year, from 200 tons in 1990 to 30 tons currently. Octopus is considered a delicacy in Mauritius; it is commonly referred to as <i>ourite, </i>the French names being either <i>pieuvre</i> or <i>poulpe</i>. During the current closure, frozen octopus from Madagascar and Rodrigues will still be available on the market.</div>
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The objective of this fishing closure and its timing is to allow female octopuses to lay their eggs and to allow existing specimens to grow up in size. Bigger octopuses are hence expected in October.</div>
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Rodrigues is planning a second closure per year in February 2017 when young octopuses come back to populate lagoons.</div>
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The 2015 closure in the south was on a voluntary basis while the 2016 one is an official closure with legal bearing. The National Coast Guard and the Environment Police will be on the lookout to enforce the closure. Contraveners will be subject to a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000.</div>
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The Ministry of Fisheries set up this programme with the support of the <a href="http://www.commissionoceanindien.org/accueil/" target="_blank">Indian Ocean Commission</a> (<i>Commission de l'Océan Indien, COI</i>), the<a href="https://sgp.undp.org/" target="_blank"> GEF Small Grants Programme of the United Nations Development Programme</a> (UNDP), and of several NGOs: Eco Sud and its <a href="http://www.ecosud.mu/lagonbleu/index-eng.htm" target="_blank">Lagon Bleu project</a>, Eco Mode, <a href="http://www.reefconservation.mu/" target="_blank">Reef Conservation</a>, and the <a href="http://www.mmcs-ngo.org/en/" target="_blank">Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS)</a>.</div>
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This Special Commemorative Cover was postmarked on 16 August 2016, 15 July being a public holiday for the Assumption of Virgin Mary, at Pointe aux Sables Post Office. Pointe aux Sables is a small fishing village on the southwestern outskirts of Port Louis.</div>
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The stamp used is the <a href="http://mauritianphilatelicblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-green-turtle-omnibus-issue.html" target="_blank">Rs 14 Green Turtle (<i>Chelonia</i> <i>mydas</i>) stamp</a> from the omnibus issue with the islands of the Indian Ocean and France of 9 October 2014. The Green Turtle symbolises the fragile resources that surround Mauritius and its dependencies. It used to be hunted too like the octopus, until its population reached such a critical number that its hunting was prohibited.</div>
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<i>N.B.: This is a private issue, not linked in any way to the Mauritius Post, the Ministry of Fisheries, the COI, the UNDP, Eco Sud, Eco Mode, Reef Conservation or the MMCS.</i></div>
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<u>Some links to articles in French about the current closure and octopus fishing closure in general:</u></div>
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Fermeture de la pêche aux ourites: Maurice sur les pas de Rodrigues (L'express, 11.08.2015) <a href="http://www.lexpress.mu/article/267069/fermeture-peche-aux-ourites-maurice-sur-traces-rodrigues" target="_blank">http://www.lexpress.mu/article/267069/fermeture-peche-aux-ourites-maurice-sur-traces-rodrigues</a></div>
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Pêche à l'ourite: deux fermetures prévues cette saison (L'express, 8 July 2016) <a href="http://www.lexpress.mu/article/285053/peche-lourite-deux-fermetures-prevues-cette-saison" target="_blank">http://www.lexpress.mu/article/285053/peche-lourite-deux-fermetures-prevues-cette-saison</a></div>
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Fermeture de la pêche à l'ourite: les pêcheurs déplorent le manque d'accompagnement (Scope Magazine, 28 July 2016) <a href="http://www.lemauricien.com/article/fermeture-la-peche-l-ourite-les-pecheurs-deplorent-manque-d-accompagnement" target="_blank">http://www.lemauricien.com/article/fermeture-la-peche-l-ourite-les-pecheurs-deplorent-manque-d-accompagnement</a></div>
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Environnement: fermeture de la pêche à l'ourite (Le Mauricien, 13 August 2016) <a href="http://www.lemauricien.com/article/environnement-fermeture-la-peche-l-ourite" target="_blank">http://www.lemauricien.com/article/environnement-fermeture-la-peche-l-ourite</a></div>
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Video by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation on the 2016 closure, 16 August 2016: <a href="http://mbc.intnet.mu/article/fermeture-de-la-p%C3%AAche-lourite-video" target="_blank">http://mbc.intnet.mu/article/fermeture-de-la-p%C3%AAche-lourite-video</a></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-90929751437948114032016-08-15T18:19:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:38:47.724+04:00Commissioning Ceremony of the New Dornier MPCG 4<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post issued a Rs11 stamp on 13 July 2016 to mark the commissioning ceremony of the new Dornier aircraft of the Maritime Air Squadron of the Mauritius Police Force.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Gh1yTVJ5s/V69n4V-bIBI/AAAAAAAACQI/BSz0UP_nxm4Z9tB6zmkBpINVJQcvOqP4gCEw/s1600/MAS%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_Gh1yTVJ5s/V69n4V-bIBI/AAAAAAAACQI/BSz0UP_nxm4Z9tB6zmkBpINVJQcvOqP4gCEw/s400/MAS%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The commissioning ceremony was held at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Plaisance, and was attended by the Prime Minister, Sir Aneerood Jugnauth, the Commissioner of Police, Mario Nobin, the Chairperson of the Mauritius Post, Gayetree Usha Brijmohun and the Chief Executive Officer of the Mauritius Post, Giandev Moteea amongst others.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Maritime Air Squadron (MAS) was commissioned on 17 July 1990 by Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo, the then Governor of Mauritius.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MogiN1Tdyw/V7GyZDtidNI/AAAAAAAACRI/Zo7PG0XWL6MKyQ9Xotoc9VHoB4_nrOeRgCLcB/s1600/MAS%2BOfficial%2BFDC%2BInsert%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MogiN1Tdyw/V7GyZDtidNI/AAAAAAAACRI/Zo7PG0XWL6MKyQ9Xotoc9VHoB4_nrOeRgCLcB/s400/MAS%2BOfficial%2BFDC%2BInsert%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new Dornier MPCG4 will be the fourth fixed-wing aircraft to join the squadron; the squadron currently runs two other Dorniers and one Defender. The aircraft is state-of-the-art fitted with the latest Maritime Patrol Radar, Forward-Looking Infrared Camera (FLIR), Global Positioning System (GPS), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and communication system. The aircraft offers an outstanding field of view and a comfortable environment which substantially reduces the crew fatigue and workload, thus ensuring that a high-level of vigilance is maintained throughout Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Xm7oYCb7Y/V7GyC6y_HRI/AAAAAAAACRA/K9iL7LXSqk0C3FkbM-bxCZcYdHU-MZPqgCLcB/s1600/MAS%2BStamp%2BRs11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Xm7oYCb7Y/V7GyC6y_HRI/AAAAAAAACRA/K9iL7LXSqk0C3FkbM-bxCZcYdHU-MZPqgCLcB/s320/MAS%2BStamp%2BRs11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The crew that extensively test-flew the aircraft at HAL, Kanpur, India, then ferried it to Mauritius through several countries along the western coast of the Indian Ocean, accumulating a total flying time of 34 hours and a total distance of 6,021 nm (11,150 km).</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIg31AjqsdU/V7GyJqspCrI/AAAAAAAACRE/Qd8yOt34zNww72ePsGBrNKX8x7Jp1Jb_ACLcB/s1600/MAS%2BOfficial%2BFDC%2BInsert%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIg31AjqsdU/V7GyJqspCrI/AAAAAAAACRE/Qd8yOt34zNww72ePsGBrNKX8x7Jp1Jb_ACLcB/s400/MAS%2BOfficial%2BFDC%2BInsert%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Besides their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Dornier aircrafts allow an additional communication means via an air link with the Agaléga Post Office, the only provider of postal, financial and banking services to the inhabitants of these outer islands of Mauritius despite remoteness from the mainland. August 2002 for example marked the opening of the Agaléga Post Office and the first dispatch of mail to the islands by air by a Dornier aircraft.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRaAURgkkSA/V7GyhwJ2XQI/AAAAAAAACRM/KWkym6-YLHEEyHme_7J9UhmAb5PHHH3ygCLcB/s1600/MAS%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRaAURgkkSA/V7GyhwJ2XQI/AAAAAAAACRM/KWkym6-YLHEEyHme_7J9UhmAb5PHHH3ygCLcB/s400/MAS%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC postmarked at Monneron Hill PO on the first day of issue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pictures from the Commissioning Ceremony posted by the Mauritius Post on their Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MauritiusPost/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1150209711708413" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MauritiusPost/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1150209711708413</a></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Technical details</u></span></h4>
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<i>Date of issue</i>: 13 July 2016</div>
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<i>Illustration</i>: Rs11 - New Dornier MPCG 4</div>
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<i>Graphic works</i>: Graphic Department (The Mauritius Post Ltd.)</div>
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<i>Size</i>: 44.45 x 29.94 mm</div>
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<i>Printer</i>: Cartor Security Printing</div>
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<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
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<i>Number</i> <i>per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter</div>
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<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
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<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
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<i>Courtesy</i>: Maritime Air Squadron</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-77858266613148685162016-08-14T21:28:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:39:58.995+04:00Freshwater Fauna<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post released on 6 June 2016 a set of four stamps on the theme 'Freshwater Fauna'. The denominations are Re 1, Rs 10, Rs 18 and Rs 32. It is the first time that the Rs 32 denomination is released by the Mauritius Post; Rs 32 corresponds to the current local express mail rate for a letter weighing 20 grams or less (Rs 10 for standard priority delivery and Rs 22 for express delivery)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh1m9ZmkYeU/V6jfxRLfICI/AAAAAAAACNU/_5mRSMXJIioN-wEMfnLCdleuItKY5HIxwCLcB/s1600/Freshwater%2BFauna%2BFDC%2BOfficial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh1m9ZmkYeU/V6jfxRLfICI/AAAAAAAACNU/_5mRSMXJIioN-wEMfnLCdleuItKY5HIxwCLcB/s400/Freshwater%2BFauna%2BFDC%2BOfficial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Re 1 - Giant Mottled Eel (<i>Anguilla marmorata</i>)</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ7VsLm7DL0/V6jf5FEbtpI/AAAAAAAACNY/0qKBggZSTIcpsrXXA8sQqCUgXf6I-ivPACLcB/s1600/Re1%2BGiant%2BMottled%2BEel%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ7VsLm7DL0/V6jf5FEbtpI/AAAAAAAACNY/0qKBggZSTIcpsrXXA8sQqCUgXf6I-ivPACLcB/s320/Re1%2BGiant%2BMottled%2BEel%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Anguilla marmorata</i> has a robust body with a compressed rear part. It has a yellowish to olive or brown, mottled with dark greenish brown back with a lighter colouration belly.</div>
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This species can reach up to 2 m in length and is normally active at night, and feeds on prey such as crabs, frogs and fish. Eel is a highly commercial food fish and various life stages, ranging from juvenile to adult, are harvested and traded on a global scale for consumption, with current demand predominantly driven by East Asian markets, in particular Japan and mainland China.</div>
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The giant mottled eel is native to the Indo-Pacific region. This species is native to Mauritius and can also be found in Madagascar, Réunion and the Seychelles. It commonly dwells in rivers and lakes, including artificial ones, and reservoirs, and is found under crevices or hides under rocks.</div>
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Adult eels normally migrate to deep water in the sea where they breed and die. If they fail to find a way to the sea, eels can grow very big within the lake reservoir.</div>
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According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is considered Least Concern at present as there is no evidence for population decline. In Mauritius however, eels are now declining in number due to over-exploitation, reclamation of wetlands and marshy areas as well as pollution.</div>
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<i>References: Wildlife of Mauritius, IUCN List of Threatened Species, La Vanille Nature Park</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rs 10 - Water Scorpion (<i>Laccotrephes annulipes</i>)</span></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlrlsUPILU8/V6jf9A_-36I/AAAAAAAACNc/2Q7dguhOUQUf_W9oZfzuioCGh-B2b-30wCLcB/s1600/Rs10%2BWater%2BScorpion%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlrlsUPILU8/V6jf9A_-36I/AAAAAAAACNc/2Q7dguhOUQUf_W9oZfzuioCGh-B2b-30wCLcB/s320/Rs10%2BWater%2BScorpion%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A species commonly found in streams, ponds, basins, etc, where it has been observed to prey on mosquito larvae and other aquatic animals. They are commonly called water scorpions due to their resemblance to scorpions.<br />
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They live in shallow, muddy water. They swim slowly, often crawling on objects in the water. They come to the surface for air and often hide under stones near water. They can reach about 6 cm in length but about half is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siphon_(insect_anatomy)" target="_blank">siphon</a>.<br />
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Regarding vulnerability status - not known. It has been recorded all over the island of Mauritius in the past, but it seems to be difficult to find now.<br />
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<i>Reference: Dr. Seelavam Ganesham, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI)</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rs 18 - Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>)</span></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmkVevdwPBQ/V6jgJM9Sj9I/AAAAAAAACNg/aIxLpDqsUIQZMnVugEdrYhKyNdeSXapHwCLcB/s1600/Rs18%2BNile%2BTilapia%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmkVevdwPBQ/V6jgJM9Sj9I/AAAAAAAACNg/aIxLpDqsUIQZMnVugEdrYhKyNdeSXapHwCLcB/s320/Rs18%2BNile%2BTilapia%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Nile tilapia is native to Africa and the Middle East. It has a distinctive regular, vertical stripes extending as far down the body as the bottom edge of the caudal fin, with variable coloration. Adults reach up to 50-60 cm in length and up to 4 kg. It lives for up to nine years.<br />
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The Nile tilapia tolerates brackish water and prefers warm temperature. It is an omnivore, feeding on plankton as well as on higher plants.<br />
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This fish is currently one of the most important species in the aquaculture industry across the world. It is mainly due to its good flesh quality, disease resistance and high growth performance, acceptance to a wide range of feed and adaptability to the different methods of culture.<br />
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This species also feeds on mosquito larvae and is thus beneficial in the control of mosquito population.<br />
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In Mauritius, <i>Oreochromis</i> <i>spp</i>. was first introduced in the 1950s and was commonly found in water bodies such as rivers and reservoirs, mainly in Mare aux Vacoas and Mare Longue. Besides the <i>Oreochromis</i> <i>niloticus</i> normal colour, a Red Tilapia hybrid locally known as "berri rouge" also exists in Mauritius, which is a hybrid of three species of <i>Oreochromis</i> <i>spp</i>., introduced from Malaysia in 1990.<br />
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Seed production is being undertaken at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre (AFRC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Ocean Economic, Marine Resources, Fisheries, Shipping and Outer Islands to produce quality fingerlings to service fish farmers.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenile_fish" target="_blank">Fry</a> are collected from broodstock ponds and cultured in tanks until they become fingerlings. Presently, the main investor in the culture of Oreochromis spp. is the private sector supported by the AFRC for hatcheries facilities.<br />
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<i>References: Albion Fisheries Research Centre (AFRC), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Fishery Statistics (2006), La Vanille Nature Park, the University of Mauritius</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rs 32 - Freshwater Shrimp (<i>Macrobrachium lar</i>)</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgL_jqLfKbQ/V6jgMDPFCiI/AAAAAAAACNk/lYMCvUfdWgsBLRaSMFYAFWEoJub8U7A3gCLcB/s1600/Rs32%2BFreshwater%2BShrimp%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgL_jqLfKbQ/V6jgMDPFCiI/AAAAAAAACNk/lYMCvUfdWgsBLRaSMFYAFWEoJub8U7A3gCLcB/s320/Rs32%2BFreshwater%2BShrimp%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Commonly known as <i>camaron</i>, <i>Macrobrachium</i> <i>lar</i> can reach 8-10 cm in length. This large prawn has dark red-violet scales and long pincers and the female is smaller than the male. The eggs are carried by the female to brackish waters of estuaries where the juveniles will hatch and grow.<br />
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The young ones then migrate back upstream.<br />
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This prawn is found in well-oxygenated rivers throughout the Indo-Pacific region, usually hiding underneath stones. It is native to Mauritius.<br />
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According to the IUCN it is least concern. In Mauritius, freshwater shrimp is now rare due to overfishing and pollution.<br />
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<i>Macrobrachium</i> <i>lar</i> is considered a delicacy in Mauritius. It has never been intensively farmed but juveniles migrating upstream are captured and used to stock ponds.<br />
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In the 19th century, when the native orchid plant <i>Cryptopus</i> <i>elatus</i> was common along river banks, its roots were used to make a noose to capture river prawns, hence the name "<i>liane</i> <i>camaron</i>" given to that species of orchid.<br />
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<i>Reference: Mr. Owen Griffiths, Managing Director, Bioculture Group</i><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b79axUn6ue8/V7DTulUd0qI/AAAAAAAACQc/6ctlGlo-CcQ_t5ewRxBhj-SZeFGnZd4DwCLcB/s1600/Freshwater%2BFauna%2BFull%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b79axUn6ue8/V7DTulUd0qI/AAAAAAAACQc/6ctlGlo-CcQ_t5ewRxBhj-SZeFGnZd4DwCLcB/s400/Freshwater%2BFauna%2BFull%2BSet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Technical details</span></h3>
<i>Date of issue</i>: 6 June 2016<br />
<i>Illustrations</i>: Re 1 - Giant Mottled Eel (<i>Anguilla marmorata</i>)<br />
Rs 10 - Water Scorpion (<i>Laccotrephes annulipes</i>)<br />
Rs 18 - Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>)<br />
Rs 32 - Freshwater Shrimp (<i>Macrobrachium lar)</i><br />
<i>Graphic works</i>: Graphic Department (The Mauritius Post Ltd.)<br />
<i>Size</i>: 44.45 x 29.94 mm<br />
<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd., Dublin<br />
<i>Process</i>: Lithography<br />
<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter<br />
<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO<br />
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm </div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-33640775764118106972016-08-13T21:16:00.001+04:002017-09-17T01:40:36.099+04:00May 2016 Reprints of the 2009 "Indigenous Flowers of Mauritius" Definitive Issue<div style="text-align: justify;">
On 24 and 31 May 2016, the Mauritius Post released new reprints of the Rs 8 and Rs 25 denominations and of the Rs 3 denomination respectively of the 9 April 2009 <a href="http://mauritianphilatelicblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/indigenous-flowers-of-mauritius.html" target="_blank"><i>Indigenous Flowers of Mauritius</i></a> definitive issue.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wad0NY2yl5w/V68DLCPrACI/AAAAAAAACPA/-zIImteh-VM6foyx-48NBlTvEWhnl1gKQCLcB/s1600/Full%2BSet%2B2009%2Band%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wad0NY2yl5w/V68DLCPrACI/AAAAAAAACPA/-zIImteh-VM6foyx-48NBlTvEWhnl1gKQCLcB/s400/Full%2BSet%2B2009%2Band%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 original prints (left) and 2016 reprints (right) with some slight differences in shades</td></tr>
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It is the second recorded reprint of the Rs 8 (<i>Distephanus populifolius</i>) and Rs 25 (<i>Roussea simplex</i>) stamps after the 1 June 2010 reprints (a reprint of the <span style="background-color: #c0a154;"></span>Rs 15 <i>Aphloia theiformis </i>stamp was also issued on that date).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSEqVlldKA8/V68W6HPXPuI/AAAAAAAACPQ/y8A-oOZM9V8LnT-EG6MkiTprKm54dSlUQCLcB/s1600/Rs8%2BDistephanus%2Bpopulifolius%2B%2526%2BRs25%2BRoussea%2Bsimplex%2BReprints%2BUn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSEqVlldKA8/V68W6HPXPuI/AAAAAAAACPQ/y8A-oOZM9V8LnT-EG6MkiTprKm54dSlUQCLcB/s400/Rs8%2BDistephanus%2Bpopulifolius%2B%2526%2BRs25%2BRoussea%2Bsimplex%2BReprints%2BUn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial Special Souvenir Cover</td></tr>
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According to the inserts of the 2009 FDCs, <i>Distephanus populifolius</i> is a rare endemic plant found only on dry exposed mountain tops where it grows on rocky medium. It bears composite white and yellow flowers and its silvery leaves offer a perfect camouflage with its rocky surroundings.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzEi8OzTiJA/V68XGd2OGMI/AAAAAAAACPU/usRCk1QJHTwZRaZyEyOCGhVFnINKYT6kACLcB/s1600/Rs8%2B2009%2B%2526%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzEi8OzTiJA/V68XGd2OGMI/AAAAAAAACPU/usRCk1QJHTwZRaZyEyOCGhVFnINKYT6kACLcB/s320/Rs8%2B2009%2B%2526%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 original print (left) and 2016 reprint (right)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhrHWcwMbt8/V68XJz33-wI/AAAAAAAACPY/By-UtPqvlqkLUHvSRQaKJro6X3iQVHK1gCLcB/s1600/Rs8%2B2016%2BIssue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhrHWcwMbt8/V68XJz33-wI/AAAAAAAACPY/By-UtPqvlqkLUHvSRQaKJro6X3iQVHK1gCLcB/s320/Rs8%2B2016%2BIssue.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 reprint</td></tr>
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<i>Roussea simplex</i> on the other hand is a rare endemic shrub now found in few places like Le Pouce, Grand Bassin, Bassin Blanc, Trou aux Cerfs and Combo. Its orange yellow bell-shaped flowers are conspicuous and attractive.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNT6IkWhHso/V68YUKL48RI/AAAAAAAACPs/kiwBZSDmszkixksj01ojfSCULjDOeXoRwCLcB/s1600/Rs25%2B2009%2B%2526%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNT6IkWhHso/V68YUKL48RI/AAAAAAAACPs/kiwBZSDmszkixksj01ojfSCULjDOeXoRwCLcB/s320/Rs25%2B2009%2B%2526%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 original issue (left) and 2016 reprint (right)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0c4aLqyy6A/V68YXpE4qNI/AAAAAAAACPw/QkogYVw05FoX3fhwnn9UxhwWbcm2R7kaQCLcB/s1600/Rs25%2B2016%2BIssue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0c4aLqyy6A/V68YXpE4qNI/AAAAAAAACPw/QkogYVw05FoX3fhwnn9UxhwWbcm2R7kaQCLcB/s320/Rs25%2B2016%2BIssue.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 reprint</td></tr>
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It is however the first recorded reprint of the Rs 3 (<i>Myonima obovata</i>) stamp.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3z3rW8euMdY/V68XcJl-MbI/AAAAAAAACPc/5JGYjEDfGPoqZiZAtHIgEIppHcr_ur2ugCLcB/s1600/Rs3%2BMyonima%2Bobovata%2BReprint%2BUnofficial%2BSSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3z3rW8euMdY/V68XcJl-MbI/AAAAAAAACPc/5JGYjEDfGPoqZiZAtHIgEIppHcr_ur2ugCLcB/s400/Rs3%2BMyonima%2Bobovata%2BReprint%2BUnofficial%2BSSC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial Special Souvenir Cover</td></tr>
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<i>Myonima obovata</i> is a small shrub of mid altitude dry forests, which bears nice clusters of small pinkish white flowers. The beauty of this plant lies in its juvenile leaves where a mosaic of red, purple and green venation under a thin waxy layer catches one's attention.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk6a_EW9pM0/V68YG7p57VI/AAAAAAAACPk/CFrPs7Z1xKEWNJfY0vG4I9dlbaX-Io__ACLcB/s1600/Rs3%2B2009%2B%2526%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk6a_EW9pM0/V68YG7p57VI/AAAAAAAACPk/CFrPs7Z1xKEWNJfY0vG4I9dlbaX-Io__ACLcB/s320/Rs3%2B2009%2B%2526%2B2016%2BIssues.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009 original issue (left) and 2016 reprint (right)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud17AemqvrI/V68YKviT4BI/AAAAAAAACPo/qrz9AAoiwn8LmvGrHw1OZN8bFbhDZUfgQCLcB/s1600/Rs3%2B2016%2BIssue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud17AemqvrI/V68YKviT4BI/AAAAAAAACPo/qrz9AAoiwn8LmvGrHw1OZN8bFbhDZUfgQCLcB/s320/Rs3%2B2016%2BIssue.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 reprint</td></tr>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-45584354887544602972016-08-12T19:10:00.002+04:002017-09-17T01:51:42.634+04:00Birth Centenary of Sookdeo Bissoondoyal (1908-2008)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sookdeo Bissoondoyal was born on 25 December 1908 in Tyack, Rivière des Anguilles in the south of the island. He was a primary school teacher, journalist, prolific writer, parliamentarian, Government Minister and Leader of the Opposition who helped to shape the history of modern Mauritius.<br />
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During his long and distinguished life of public service, he struggled for social justice, the right to vote for his fellow citizens, the protection of their civil rights and for poverty alleviation. He founded the Independent Forward Bloc, and was instrumental in the creation of the Jan Andolan (People's Movement) which initiated campaigns in order to fight for the social and political rights of the poor.</div>
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<i>"We all know how hard a country has to struggle before it establishes its identity. We know equally that a proper education is an integral part of that struggle."</i> This statement of Sookdeo Bissoondoyal clearly shows that one of the major objectives of his life-long struggle was promoting the education of the Mauritian people. He firmly advocated and fought for free access to education for all children irrespective of their social background.</div>
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Between the 1920s and 1970s, he taught more than three generations of Mauritians with some among them eventually playing an important role in the country's history as public and political figures. Furthermore, during the 1940s and 1950s, he initiated campaigns to safeguard and expand the educational opportunities of young Mauritians.</div>
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As an influential member of the Legislative Council and later on of the Mauritian Parliament, Sookdeo Bissoondoyal fought hard to secure social welfare programs for the poor and was against corruption and the abuse of power in the civil service.</div>
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Sookdeo Bissoondoyal has been closely associated with the following historic government decisions:</div>
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1. The move towards the country's independence</div>
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2. The implementation of state subsidies for all religions</div>
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3. The implementation of old-age pension</div>
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4. The creation of an Ombudsman to act as a guardian of public rights</div>
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5. Free access to education for young children in primary schools</div>
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In 1965, Bissoondoyal attended the London Conference where he helped Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam make the case for Mauritian independence. At the same time, he is also credited with coining the term "<i>Parti de l'indépendence</i>" or Independence Party.</div>
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During his political career, which lasted almost three decades, Sookdeo Bissoondoyal served as the Minister of Local Government and Cooperative Movement, a Member of Parliament, Leader of the Opposition and as a party leader.</div>
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Sookdeo Bissoondoyal passed away on 18 August 1977.</div>
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The two stamps affixed on the Special Commemorative Cover are the 40 cents and the Rs16 stamps of the Inland Transport ans Stone Buildings sets respectively. The 40 cents stamp shows the Rivière des Anguilles bridge, located close to the birth place of Sookdeo Bissoondoyal. The Rs 16 stamp depicts the Carnegie Library, Curepipe, symbolising the value the latter gave to education.</div>
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The illustration on the cover shows a portrait in medallion of Sookdeo Bissoondoyal as the Minister of Local Government and Cooperative Movement with a background picture of the Sookdeo Bissoondoyal Memorial Museum in Tyack, Rivière des Anguilles.</div>
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<i>Source: insert</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Technical Details</span></b></h3>
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<i>Release date</i>: 17 December 2008</div>
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<i>Stamps</i>: 40cs - Railway Locomotive (from the Inland Transport issue of 15 June 1998)</div>
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Rs 16 - Carnegie Library, Curepipe (from the Stone Buildings issue of 9 October 2005)</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-82420242187433492472016-08-08T22:34:00.002+04:002017-09-17T01:40:58.192+04:00United Nations Sustainable Development Goals<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The Mauritius Post issued on 9 May 2016 a new Rs 27 postage stamp on the theme of <i>The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOS6681AekI/V4gEhgU2lYI/AAAAAAAACJg/4NCKkm5_MoITQXyCPTeNqDFG3-4fBaITgCEw/s1600/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOS6681AekI/V4gEhgU2lYI/AAAAAAAACJg/4NCKkm5_MoITQXyCPTeNqDFG3-4fBaITgCEw/s400/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BOfficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On 25 September 2015, 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a set of bold new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hailed as a universal, integrated and transformative vision for a better world.</div>
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This agenda, with its 17 SDGs and underpinning 169 targets, emerges from over three years of unprecedented consultations. There is widespread recognition of the need for a more active participation of different stakeholders in the national implementation and monitoring of the SDGs.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2NTyFptMwo/V6jQdlQVGCI/AAAAAAAACM8/A_ZCsclVhPMpn7hWk3ceMc7fNkXeVtmFgCLcB/s1600/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BRs27%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2NTyFptMwo/V6jQdlQVGCI/AAAAAAAACM8/A_ZCsclVhPMpn7hWk3ceMc7fNkXeVtmFgCLcB/s320/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BRs27%2BStamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This agenda is a call for global action for the people, prosperity and the planet and also calls for peace and justice and for a renewed global partnership to guide development actions in the next 15 years to eradicate poverty and advance human development, while respecting the natural boundaries of our planet.</div>
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While the Millenium Development Goals (2000-2015) were devised for developing countries only, the SDGs are universal; countries, rich and poor have committed to leave no one behind and to grow sustainably, within the natural boundaries of our planet.</div>
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What are these goals?</div>
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1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere</div>
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2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture</div>
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3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages</div>
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4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all</div>
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5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1f3gwgkP6E/V6jQiNtbbJI/AAAAAAAACNA/k8mP4nvSTtQkYG1w357a6kiYpp5y7sxEgCLcB/s1600/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BInsert%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1f3gwgkP6E/V6jQiNtbbJI/AAAAAAAACNA/k8mP4nvSTtQkYG1w357a6kiYpp5y7sxEgCLcB/s400/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BInsert%2B1.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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6. Ensure availability and sustainability of water and sanitation for all</div>
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7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all</div>
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8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all</div>
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9.Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation</div>
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10. Reduce inequalities within and among countries<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWl2paN3RtA/V6jQrkwbcFI/AAAAAAAACNE/eztM-ETRnVIFcsVyYo99vGXwtxca38fbgCLcB/s1600/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BInsert%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWl2paN3RtA/V6jQrkwbcFI/AAAAAAAACNE/eztM-ETRnVIFcsVyYo99vGXwtxca38fbgCLcB/s400/UN%2BSustainable%2BGoals%2B2016%2BInsert%2B2.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable</div>
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12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns</div>
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13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts</div>
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14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development</div>
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15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss</div>
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16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels</div>
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17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development</div>
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<b>Technical details</b></h3>
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<i>Date of issue</i>: 9 May 2016</div>
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<i>Illustration</i>: Rs27 - UN Sustainable Development Goals Emblem</div>
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<i>Graphic works</i>: Graphic Department (The Mauritius Post Ltd.)</div>
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<i>Size</i>: 44.45 x 29.94 mm</div>
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<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd., Dublin</div>
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<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
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<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter</div>
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<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
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<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
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<i>Courtesy</i>: UN Office Mauritius & UN Department of Public Information</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-28697006827319557772016-08-04T13:02:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:45:08.124+04:0035th Anniversary of the Orchid Society of Mauritius (1980-2015)<div style="text-align: justify;">
To mark its 35th anniversary, the Orchid Society of Mauritius issued in collaboration with the Mauritius Post a Special Commemorative Cover on 25 September 2015.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8poBctozoNM/V6MAenEfh7I/AAAAAAAACK0/KmOa_QLHGRAzmZdnmhVQXdv1fB2VNMTCQCLcB/s1600/35th%2BAnniv%2BOrchid%2BSociety%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8poBctozoNM/V6MAenEfh7I/AAAAAAAACK0/KmOa_QLHGRAzmZdnmhVQXdv1fB2VNMTCQCLcB/s400/35th%2BAnniv%2BOrchid%2BSociety%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Orchid Society of Mauritius was founded in 1980 by a small group of orchid enthusiasts. Over the years the membership has increased significantly.</div>
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The main goal of the society, as stipulated in its Articles, is to promote orchid culture. Members meet on a monthly basis around a mini orchid display. Talks on various aspects of orchid growing and sharing of personal experiences are common features at these meetings.</div>
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Each year in September/ October, the Society holds a major public orchid exhibition. Visitors have the opportunity to not only admire beautiful flowers, but may also acquire plants and learn how to grow them.</div>
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The Orchid Society of Mauritius is affiliated to the American Orchid Society since 1983 and benefits, from its generous educational support.</div>
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In October 1986, at the request of the Orchid Society, the Mauritius Postal Authorities issued a series of four stamps depicting indigenous orchids (SG733/36).</div>
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The Orchid Society of Mauritius believes that the Republic of Mauritius has the potential for the creation of an orchid cut flower industry for both the local and export market. Mauritius has a suitable climate for orchid growing.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcMf-kBrhRI/V6MBIPYlwAI/AAAAAAAACK4/ls-U-Nt_3D4ISfzSjZBZ3Z78EGzfUDkigCLcB/s1600/35th%2BAnniv%2BOrchid%2BSociety%2BInsert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcMf-kBrhRI/V6MBIPYlwAI/AAAAAAAACK4/ls-U-Nt_3D4ISfzSjZBZ3Z78EGzfUDkigCLcB/s400/35th%2BAnniv%2BOrchid%2BSociety%2BInsert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Orchid Society of Mauritius has been instrumental in promoting interest and knowledge in orchid growing in Mauritius. Today many people in Mauritius grow orchids either for pleasure or for commercial purposes. We note that there are professional agricultural farmers who would be keen to diversify their traditional production.</div>
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Most of today's leading orchid-exporting countries have witnessed their predominantly hobbyist-oriented activity evolving into a multi-million industry.</div>
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email: orchidosm@gmail.com</div>
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website: <a href="http://www.orchidmauritius.org/" target="_blank">www.orchidmauritius.org</a></div>
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<i>Source: SCC Insert</i></div>
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Technical Details</h3>
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<i>Release date</i>: 25 September 2015</div>
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<i>Stamp</i>: Rs10 - Orchid (<i>Oeoniella polystachys</i>)</div>
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From the Fauna & Flora issue of 30 August 2013</div>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-25064141131496593902016-07-15T00:45:00.001+04:002016-08-21T01:19:27.808+04:00Eminent Personalities<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post released on 11 December 2013 a set of two commemorative stamps on the theme 'Eminent Personalities' and portraying Hervé Masson (Rs9) and Professor Alexander de Smith (Rs26).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugY8eLUxCSI/VfnIo_sXQEI/AAAAAAAAB0s/6yah27uuJCM/s1600/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugY8eLUxCSI/VfnIo_sXQEI/AAAAAAAAB0s/6yah27uuJCM/s400/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official FDC with 11.12.13-14 datestamp from Mesnil Post Office.</td></tr>
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<u>Rs9 - Hervé Masson (1919-1990), painter and writer</u></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqz_qsSFveY/VfnIhJAWU6I/AAAAAAAAB0k/G8WapXXyusA/s1600/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BRs9%2BHerve%25CC%2581%2BMasson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqz_qsSFveY/VfnIhJAWU6I/AAAAAAAAB0k/G8WapXXyusA/s400/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BRs9%2BHerve%25CC%2581%2BMasson.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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Hervé Masson was born in Rose Hill, Mauritius in 1919 in a family hailing ancestry from Lorraine, France and which settled in the then Isle de France in 1753.</div>
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He was initiated to painting as a child and his brother Loys Masson, later on a writer of international repute, was a great source of inspiration to him.</div>
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As a young man he rubbed shoulders with famous contemporary poets, writers and journalists like Raymonde de K/Vern, Malcolm de Chazal, Marcel Cabon and France de la Peyre. He was an omnivorous reader and writer and showed keen interest in esoteric literature.</div>
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His debut as a painter met with mitigated success and he left for France in 1949. In France he strived hard to improve his art and had to work as journalist to make both ends meet, but never gave up painting. By 1957, his paintings won appreciation in art galleries both in Paris and in New York.</div>
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In the wake of the independence of Mauritius, he thought that he could serve his country in politics. Masson served as advisor in the field of Arts and Culture for the Government of Mauritius.</div>
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He afterwards returned to France where resumed his former activities and passed away in 1990.</div>
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<u>Rs26 - Alexander de Smith (1922-1974), Professor of Constitutional Law</u></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpyaeiejlN4/VfnVlnds9LI/AAAAAAAAB08/VIaj3-l7tnY/s1600/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BR26%2BProf%2BAlexander%2Bde%2BSmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpyaeiejlN4/VfnVlnds9LI/AAAAAAAAB08/VIaj3-l7tnY/s320/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BR26%2BProf%2BAlexander%2Bde%2BSmith.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Stanley Alexander de Smith was an eminent professor of constitutional Law and was commissioned to draft the Mauritius Constitution in the mid-sixties; he is considered as the father of the Constitution of Mauritius.</div>
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Born in 1922 in London, de Smith received his Doctorate at the University of London in 1959 where he later on taught constitutional Law in various capacity.</div>
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He also served as consultant to various Commonwealth countries in the wake of their independence, namely in Nigeria, Ghana and Malaysia.</div>
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Professor de Smith paid several visits to Mauritius as part time constitutional Commissioner and his imprint on our constitutional Law is significant.</div>
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He passed away during his stay in Mauritius in 1974 and was buried at Le Réduit Cemetery where Governors and other personalities lie for eternity.</div>
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A commemorative plate has also been sealed to his memory at the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XysV7xo50o/VfnWhchriPI/AAAAAAAAB1E/Ya9f5JWXN9A/s1600/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XysV7xo50o/VfnWhchriPI/AAAAAAAAB1E/Ya9f5JWXN9A/s400/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC registered at Phoenix Post Office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0C52rJreT0/V4f5IBCFZNI/AAAAAAAACIc/QwRacYqAHZ40Ek62cH6rMbsrVac5Ng0IACLcB/s1600/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BFDC%2BSigned%2Bby%2BDaughters%2Bof%2BA.%2Bde%2BSmi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0C52rJreT0/V4f5IBCFZNI/AAAAAAAACIc/QwRacYqAHZ40Ek62cH6rMbsrVac5Ng0IACLcB/s400/Eminent%2BPersonalities%2B2013%2BFDC%2BSigned%2Bby%2BDaughters%2Bof%2BA.%2Bde%2BSmi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official FDC signed by Anna and Jane de Smith, Prof. Alexander de Smith's daughters, on 6 July 2016 during their visit to Mauritius.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<i>Source: FDC insert</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h3>
<u>Technical Details</u></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Date of issue</i>: 11 December 2013</div>
<div>
<i>Illustrations</i>:</div>
<div>
Rs9 - Hervé Masson </div>
<div>
Rs26 - Prof. Alexander de Smith</div>
<div>
<i>Graphic works</i>: Neshvin Ramsawmy</div>
<div>
<i>Size</i>: 29.94 x 44.45 mm</div>
<div>
<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Printing Ltd., Dublin, Ireland</div>
<div>
<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
<div>
<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by a gutter</div>
<div>
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
<div>
<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
<div>
<i>Courtesy</i>: Brigitte Masson for photo of Hervé Masson</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-31994358074131139652016-07-08T15:12:00.000+04:002016-07-08T15:18:31.455+04:0090th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II<div style="text-align: justify;">
On 21 April 2016, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday. To mark this milestone, the Royal Mail released a set of six First Class stamps and a miniature sheet comprising four First Class stamps.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8VUhgU_qa4/V3-EnJk77kI/AAAAAAAACHU/cSSHok74WRsoApyRp1aufkBnDxq16_vEwCLcB/s1600/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BFDC%2BOfficial%2BCancellation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8VUhgU_qa4/V3-EnJk77kI/AAAAAAAACHU/cSSHok74WRsoApyRp1aufkBnDxq16_vEwCLcB/s400/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BFDC%2BOfficial%2BCancellation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official FDC with Windsor First Day Cancellation.<br />
"A long life can pass many milestones - my own is no exception" - HM The Queen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth nations, she is the epitome of duty and regal authority in public, while in private she is seldom happier than when surrounded by her family, preferably in a countryside location.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ShgxkRTLao/V3-F7rdv2II/AAAAAAAACHc/r8iqx8dAZc0DzPgAtw2PiDpuYNqceAcAACLcB/s1600/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BMS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ShgxkRTLao/V3-F7rdv2II/AAAAAAAACHc/r8iqx8dAZc0DzPgAtw2PiDpuYNqceAcAACLcB/s400/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BMS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniature sheet bringing together the four existing generations of the Royal Family, from left to right: Prince Charles, HM Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George and Prince William.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like her favoured surroundings, The Queen's interests and passions have changed little over the years. From childhood to the present day, dogs have been an ever-present feature of Her Majesty's life. Welsh Corgis are a particular favourite, as well as a dachshund-corgi cross known as a 'dorgi'. Perhaps less well-known is her skill at working the gundogs that are bred on her Sandringham estate, some of which have gone on to become champions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkR_rc7iZEs/V3-GZv52UfI/AAAAAAAACHg/6ExVEabrJlEFnfIJEIBKsOxIZVEwr1tOQCLcB/s1600/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkR_rc7iZEs/V3-GZv52UfI/AAAAAAAACHg/6ExVEabrJlEFnfIJEIBKsOxIZVEwr1tOQCLcB/s400/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official FDC cancelled at the University of Bath PO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih3YGf0Tdyo/V3-IwM3LFrI/AAAAAAAACH8/htNFWHWC7mIFu8EyQ15-vuSiUb9mJPIMwCLcB/s1600/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BFDC%2BInsert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih3YGf0Tdyo/V3-IwM3LFrI/AAAAAAAACH8/htNFWHWC7mIFu8EyQ15-vuSiUb9mJPIMwCLcB/s400/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BFDC%2BInsert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Horses are another great passion. As well as being an accomplished rider since childhood, Her Majesty has for many years enjoyed success as an expert breeder of thoroughbred horses, with wins recorded in more than 1,300 races. In her Silver Jubilee year, Dunfermline, a bay filly, triumphed in two of the British Classics: The Oaks and St Leger Stakes. The Queen also derives great pleasure from the breeding of Highland and Shetland ponies at Balmoral and Fell ponies at Hampton Court.<br />
<br />
<i>Source: FDC insert</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vN8GYtt5H4/V3-Hggii_fI/AAAAAAAACHw/sBiAwSohkyEom5AMhuqC2YsESlll_iLDwCLcB/s1600/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BStamp%2BSet%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vN8GYtt5H4/V3-Hggii_fI/AAAAAAAACHw/sBiAwSohkyEom5AMhuqC2YsESlll_iLDwCLcB/s400/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BStamp%2BSet%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: HM The Queen with her father, c.1930; HM The Queen attends the State Opening of Parliament, 2012; HM The Queen with Princess Ann and Prince Charles, 1952</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4tTBk9_RNk/V3-H3gdhTZI/AAAAAAAACH0/RD6OaDo0qdQojnlkY0pAgPyykn6TeSDcACLcB/s1600/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BStamp%2BSet%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4tTBk9_RNk/V3-H3gdhTZI/AAAAAAAACH0/RD6OaDo0qdQojnlkY0pAgPyykn6TeSDcACLcB/s400/HM%2BThe%2BQueen%2527s%2B90th%2BBirthday%2BStamp%2BSet%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: HM The Queen visits New Zealand, 1977; HM The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh, 1957; <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">HM The Queen with Nelson Mandela, 1996</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Technical details:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Stamps</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Date of issue</i>: 21 April 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Illustrations (left to right, top to bottom)</i>: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HM The Queen with her father, c.1930</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HM The Queen attends the State Opening of Parliament, 2012</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HM The Queen with Princess Ann and Prince Charles, 1952</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HM The Queen visits New Zealand, 1977</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HM The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh, 1957</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HM The Queen with Nelson Mandela, 1996</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Design</i>: Kate Stephens</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Size</i>: 37 x 35 mm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Printer</i>: International Security Printers</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Number per sheet</i>: 30/60</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Phosphor</i>: bars as appropriate</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 14.5 cm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Miniature Sheet</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Design</i>: Royal Mail</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Photography</i>: Ranald Mackechnie</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sheet size</i>: 179 x 74 mm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Stamps size</i>: 27 x 37 mm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Words</i>: Robert Hardman</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-16750326998815478642015-10-03T21:37:00.000+04:002015-10-03T21:37:48.614+04:0010th Anniversary of the Mauritius Post Ltd. (2003-2013)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius released on 9 October 2013 a Special Commemorative Cover to mark the 10th anniversary of the privatisation of postal services in Mauritius.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXtK_a1HAPk/VfcfCQ27WXI/AAAAAAAABzw/INppwaDt4D0/s1600/10th%2BAnniversary%2BPrivatisation%2Bof%2BPostal%2BServices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXtK_a1HAPk/VfcfCQ27WXI/AAAAAAAABzw/INppwaDt4D0/s400/10th%2BAnniversary%2BPrivatisation%2Bof%2BPostal%2BServices.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The reforms of the postal sector in the early 21st century as part of the government initiative, aimed at increasing efficiency and competitiveness to face the challenges in the sectors concerned, especially the postal service with the electronic substitutions and liberalisation concept gaining ground.<br />
<br />
This has lead to the creation of the Mauritius Post Ltd., a private company incorporated on 11 October 2001 with the Government as the majority shareholder. However actual operations started in 2003. Appropriate legislations were enacted, the main ones being the Postal Services Act 2002 and the Post Office Transfer of Undertaking Act 2002.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw82LRqog0k/VfcgtC4NO-I/AAAAAAAABz8/gQLRpfqac70/s1600/10th%2BAnniversary%2BPrivatisation%2Bof%2BPostal%2BServices%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw82LRqog0k/VfcgtC4NO-I/AAAAAAAABz8/gQLRpfqac70/s320/10th%2BAnniversary%2BPrivatisation%2Bof%2BPostal%2BServices%2B2.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The mission of the Mauritius Post was identical to that of its predecessor, the Mauritius Postal Services, and was "to provide access to an array of services across the country including postal, electronic, financial and government-related services through a wide network of branches".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The global trend of dwindling mail volumes due to the increasing use of electronic means of communication triggered the rethinking of the way postal services were delivered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
One of the main outcomes of this rethinking was the diversification into the provision of non-postal services.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After some three and a half tough years at the start, the Mauritius Post was turned around and became viable (applicable as at October 2013).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In 2013, the Mauritius Post had a network of 114 Post Offices in Mauritius, Rodrigues and Agaléga and two Mobile Post Offices.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJk3OITOHVY/Vfcjbdkr43I/AAAAAAAAB0I/YuDlJiq5Aqo/s1600/10th%2BAnniversary%2BPrivatisation%2Bof%2BPostal%2BServices%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJk3OITOHVY/Vfcjbdkr43I/AAAAAAAAB0I/YuDlJiq5Aqo/s400/10th%2BAnniversary%2BPrivatisation%2Bof%2BPostal%2BServices%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Post Day 2013 special cachet available<br />
at the Philatelic Bureau, Port Louis on 9 October 2013 only.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><br />Technical Details</u></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Release date</i>: 9 October 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Stamp</i>: Rs50 - 24th UPU Congress, Kenya 2008</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
From the eponymous issue of 9 October 2007</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-10542904207378132432015-09-26T19:02:00.000+04:002016-07-15T00:55:33.576+04:00Fauna & Flora 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post Ltd. released on 30 August 2013 a set of three commemorative stamps on the theme 'Fauna & Flora'. The Rs3 stamp depicts the rarest palm in the world, <i>Hyophorbe amaricaulis</i>, and the Rs10 and Rs18 stamps a species of orchid (<i>Oeoniella polystachys</i>) and one of bird (<i>Phedina borbonica</i>) that can be found in the Bras D'Eau National Park.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD5qIzDYV0I/VfBq_LGbldI/AAAAAAAABx8/13GW1HiG6LY/s1600/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD5qIzDYV0I/VfBq_LGbldI/AAAAAAAABx8/13GW1HiG6LY/s400/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Rs3 - Hurricane Palm (<i>Hyophorbe amaricaulis</i>)</u></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg7jlEIMhj0/VfBq3OpNuiI/AAAAAAAABx0/lvDvrrnr-vY/s1600/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BRs3%2BHurricane%2BPalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg7jlEIMhj0/VfBq3OpNuiI/AAAAAAAABx0/lvDvrrnr-vY/s400/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BRs3%2BHurricane%2BPalm.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unique to the island of Mauritius, <i>Hyophorbe amaricaulis</i>, commonly know as Hurricane Palm or the Loneliest Palm is classified as 'Critically Endangered' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was first collected by Philibert Commerson around 1770. It is today the rarest palm in the world, known from a single specimen that survived the transformation of a patch of native forest into a botanical garden in Curepipe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Little hope of discovering other individuals exists as most of the original wet forest habitat of this conspicuous species has been destroyed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The lonely plant cannot reproduce naturally since it produces female and male flowers at different times. <i>In vitro</i> propagation was tried in Mauritius (late 1990's/ early 2000's), which did not pass the stage of callus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Attempts in Ireland (1980's) and in England (2008) produced a handful of plantlets, which died after transplantation. Therefore, the only hope to save the species from extinction seems to reside in cloning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Rs10 - Orchid (<i>Oeoniella polystachys</i>)</u></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rTjVyfMhug/VfBtgzYx8HI/AAAAAAAAByI/IGZnMbropjE/s1600/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BRs10%2BOrchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rTjVyfMhug/VfBtgzYx8HI/AAAAAAAAByI/IGZnMbropjE/s400/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BRs10%2BOrchid.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Mauritius, this species was initially considered to be synonymous with <i>Oeoniella aphrodite</i>, but its inflorescence and flower structure are different from the latter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oeoniella polystachys is endemic to the south western Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles, bearing white flowers of about 2-3 cm across, blooming for about a month from late July to late November.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is a common species in Madagascar, occurring mostly on the east coast. In Réunion, it is found in the northern dry forests, where its population is declining.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Mauritius, the best population is found on Ile aux Aigrettes, and in Bras D'eau. Scattered plants exist at Mountain Chat, La Nicolière and Bambous Mountain Range and Ferney (between Mountain Camizard to Mountain Lion)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Rs18 - Mascarene Swallow (<i>Phedina borbonica</i>)</u></h3>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mO6AE0t7qT4/VfBykKO6udI/AAAAAAAAByY/DOuEL6vK12c/s1600/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BRs18%2BMascarene%2BSwallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mO6AE0t7qT4/VfBykKO6udI/AAAAAAAAByY/DOuEL6vK12c/s400/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BRs18%2BMascarene%2BSwallow.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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The Mascarene Swallow, also known as the Mascarene Martin and the 'grosse hirondelle' in French, is a rare bird with a total population of less than 500 pairs in Mauritius.<br />
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The Mascarene Swallow nests singly or in small loose colonies of up to 20 nests in cavities which provide a flat ledge, or behind a tuft of vegetation.<br />
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The Mascarene Swallow is a stoutly built, brown bird with fast, powerful, swooping flight interspersed with fluttering.<br />
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The upper parts are earth-brown; under parts are much paler, with dark streaks. It is commonly confused with the Mascarene Cave Swiftlet (<i>Aerodramus francicus</i>) which is smaller, has longer and narrower wings, is blackish-brown rather than earth-brown upper parts and has a paler rump-patch.<br />
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In Mauritius, the Mascarene Swallow is found from sea level to the highest point, but is unevenly distributed with known colonies in the the west and south, and is occasionally recorded in the east of the island. The bird feeds over built-up areas, lakes, reservoirs, around cliffs, filao (<i>Casuarina species</i>) belts, and shorelines.<br />
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It is often seen perching on electric wires, trees, ground or shoreline sand and rocks.<br />
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The Mascarene Swallow catches insects such as beetles, bugs, flies, wasps and ants in flight.<br />
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Nests may be built on sheltered ledges of buildings and bridges, or in cliffs, caves or banks, often above water, and has been recorded breeding on boats moored in the Black River Bay.<br />
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The nest is an open platform or saucer resting on a flat base, and is made out of plant fibres such as Casuarina needles, rough grass, small twigs, dead steams or algae, lined with feathers or fine plant material. Two white and lightly spotted brown eggs are laid between September and December.<br />
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The Mascarene Swallow population might be increasing, but it is still considered rare.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w06YAPHpuDo/VfB0YRhzWCI/AAAAAAAAByk/0orXq4oMaSs/s1600/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w06YAPHpuDo/VfB0YRhzWCI/AAAAAAAAByk/0orXq4oMaSs/s400/Fauna%2B%2526%2BFlora%2B2013%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC sent by express delivery from Monneron Hill Post Office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
<u>The Bras D'Eau National Park </u></h3>
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The Bras D'Eau National Park was proclaimed on 25 October 2011 under section 11(1) of the Wildlife adn National Parks Act 1993.<br />
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It is of an area of 497.2 ha and is mainly under Mahogany, Araucaria, Tecoma and Eucalyptus plantations. It also harbours patches of native vegetation.<br />
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It is one of the last remnants of the coastal lowland dry dwarf forest. It is the habitat for 10 species of butterfly and is well-known for its population of birds.<br />
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The Bras D'Eau National Park also has a thriving mangrove forest.<br />
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<i>Source: FDC insert.</i><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Technical details:</u></h3>
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<i>Date of issue</i>: 30 August 2013</div>
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<i>Illustration</i>: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rs3 - Hurricane Palm (<i>Hyophorbe amaricaulis</i>)</div>
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Rs10 - Orchid (<i>Oeoniella polystachys</i>)</div>
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Rs18 - Mascarene Swallow (<i>Phedina borbonica</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Graphic works</i>: Neshvin Ramsawmy</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Size</i>: 29.94 x 44.45 mm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd., Dublin</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Courtesy</i>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mauritius Herbarium</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BirdLife International</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-18824507365867734152015-09-24T18:20:00.001+04:002016-07-15T00:56:21.811+04:0063rd FIFA Congress Mauritius 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post released on 30 May 2013 a new stamp on the occasion of the 63rd FIFA Congress held in Mauritius on 30 and 31 May 2013.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqJDeQX30JY/VfAq0gNlo5I/AAAAAAAABxE/8tY_pTrAnaY/s1600/63rd%2BFIFA%2BCongress%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqJDeQX30JY/VfAq0gNlo5I/AAAAAAAABxE/8tY_pTrAnaY/s400/63rd%2BFIFA%2BCongress%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some 1000 delegates from 209 member associations and journalists from international newspapers and magazines attended this international congress presided by Joseph Blatter, the President of the "<i>Fédération Internationale de Football</i>" (FIFA).</div>
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FIFA was founded in 1904 and is based in Zurich; it has 209 member associations, employs some 400 people from over 40 nations and is composed of a Congress (legislative body), an Executive Committee (executive body) and General Secretariat (administrative body). The FIFA World Cup provides the finances and momentum to sustain FIFA's wider mission to 'develop the game, touch the world and build a better future'.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_W8eGnnnZGM/VfBf0SoCgjI/AAAAAAAABxY/c6iXnodL68E/s1600/63rd%2BFIFA%2BCongress%2BRs18%2BStamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_W8eGnnnZGM/VfBf0SoCgjI/AAAAAAAABxY/c6iXnodL68E/s400/63rd%2BFIFA%2BCongress%2BRs18%2BStamp.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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In Mauritius, the governing body of football is the Mauritius Football Association (MFA), founded in 1952 and affiliated to FIFA in 1962. It is currently the largest sports federation in Mauritius with 11,000 registered footballers.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4XBhsSEQj0/VfBh8qYYTaI/AAAAAAAABxk/vzisS6svsTI/s1600/63rd%2BFIFA%2BCongress%2BMFA%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4XBhsSEQj0/VfBh8qYYTaI/AAAAAAAABxk/vzisS6svsTI/s400/63rd%2BFIFA%2BCongress%2BMFA%2BLogo.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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<i>Source: FDC insert</i></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Technical details:</u></b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Date of issue</i>: 30 May 2013</div>
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<i>Illustration</i>: Rs18 - Logo of the 63rd Congress</div>
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<i>Design</i>: FIFA</div>
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<i>Graphic works (stamps & FDC)</i>: Neshvin Ramsawmy</div>
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<i>Size</i>: 29.94 44.45 mm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd., Dublin</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Process</i>: Litography</div>
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<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by a gutter</div>
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<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Courtesy</i>: The Mauritius Football Association and FIFA</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-31958334144496409192015-09-22T23:46:00.000+04:002015-09-22T23:46:16.109+04:00Maurice Ile Durable & 150th Anniversary of Red Cross<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post released on 30 May 2013 two stamps on the theme <i>"Maurice Ile Durable"</i> and one stamp to mark the 150th anniversary of the Red Cross.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8zn3BZcbi0/VfcSS5e0pAI/AAAAAAAABy8/feoSB5AtucQ/s1600/MID%2B%2526%2BRed%2BCross%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8zn3BZcbi0/VfcSS5e0pAI/AAAAAAAABy8/feoSB5AtucQ/s400/MID%2B%2526%2BRed%2BCross%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Maurice Ile Durable (MID, Mauritius a Sustainable Island)</u></b></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpHFUpkt5O8/VfcaIKad-DI/AAAAAAAABzY/tuVQemA8kBU/s1600/MID%2BFull%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpHFUpkt5O8/VfcaIKad-DI/AAAAAAAABzY/tuVQemA8kBU/s400/MID%2BFull%2BSet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
MID is a societal project which aims to deliver sustainable growth. Announced in 2008, the roots of MID lie in the then Government's response to the global energy crisis of 2007.</div>
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However MID now aims to facilitate economic growth that respects the limitations of natural resources; a growth that is delivered by an empowered population, able to grasp the new opportunities of a green economy; and that also distributes wealth equitably.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>The Goals of MID</u></h4>
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The objective of MID is to achieve sustainable development. Specific goals have been set for the five 'Es':</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Energy</b>: to ensure that the Republic of Mauritius is an efficient user of energy, with its economy decoupled from fossil fuel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Environment</b>: to ensure sound environmental management and sustainability of our ecosystem services.</div>
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<b>Employment/ Economy</b>: to green the economy with decent jobs, offering long term career prospects.</div>
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<b>Education</b>: to have an education system that promotes the holistic development of all citizens.</div>
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<b>Equity</b>: to ensure that all citizens are able to contribute in the Republic's continuing growth and share its combined wealth.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>150 Years of Humanitarian Action by the Red Cross and the Royal Crescent</u></b></h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckSoz6onv-k/VfcYhC7vPiI/AAAAAAAABzM/Jdq1fxFcM-A/s1600/MID%2B%2526%2BRed%2BCross%2BRs3%2BHenri%2BDunant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckSoz6onv-k/VfcYhC7vPiI/AAAAAAAABzM/Jdq1fxFcM-A/s400/MID%2B%2526%2BRed%2BCross%2BRs3%2BHenri%2BDunant.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1863, the Red Cross Society was founded in Geneva by Henri Dunant. 150 years later, the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movements have 188 national societies with approximately 97 million volunteers to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.</div>
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The movement, imbued with solidarity and cooperation, is the largest humanitarian network in the world. It consists of several distinct organisations that are legally independent from each other, but are united within the movement through basic Fundamental Principles, objectives, symbols, statutes and governing organisations.</div>
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Each entity works in its home country according to the principles of international humanitarian law and the statutes of the international movement.</div>
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The Mauritius Red Cross Society (MRCS), established in 1973 by an Act of Parliament; celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2013.</div>
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With over 500 volunteers from six branches around Mauritius including Rodrigues, the MRCS is reinforcing its unique status as 'auxiliary organisation to the State',</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The mission of the MRCS is based on the Geneva Conventions, the International Humanitarian Law and the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent movement: humanity, independence, impartiality, neutrality, unity, universality, and volunteering.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>N.B.: The text above is adapted from the insert.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWjYXzW6tFY/VfccjG9hXAI/AAAAAAAABzk/f5aFk-MNE18/s1600/MID%2B%2526%2BRed%2BCross%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWjYXzW6tFY/VfccjG9hXAI/AAAAAAAABzk/f5aFk-MNE18/s400/MID%2B%2526%2BRed%2BCross%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial FDC registered at Waterfront Post Office.<br />
Rs18 63rd FIFA Congress stamp released on the same day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Technical details:</u></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Date of issue</i>: 30 May 2013</div>
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<i>Illustration</i>: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rs2 - Solar Energy (MID)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rs6 - Wind Energy (MID)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rs3 - Red Cross & Portrait of Henri Dunant</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Graphic works</i>: Neshvin Ramsawmy</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Size</i>: 29.94 x 44.45 mm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Security Printing Ltd., Dublin</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by gutter</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Courtesy</i>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
MID Commission (text and photos)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mauritius Red Cross Society (text)</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-64971570660558301152015-09-16T21:19:00.002+04:002015-09-17T00:59:23.135+04:00Sites & Monuments<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post released on 18 April 2013 a set of four commemorative stamps on the theme 'Sites & Monuments'.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDViFeEC71U/Ve3cVQFaSjI/AAAAAAAABwM/d5Y6afRC-Zs/s1600/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDViFeEC71U/Ve3cVQFaSjI/AAAAAAAABwM/d5Y6afRC-Zs/s400/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Rs5 - Prison de Belle Mare</u></h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGKUUwlLg-A/Ve3cObjsBaI/AAAAAAAABwE/Nfvg0rGzgqY/s1600/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs5%2BPrison%2Bde%2BBelle%2BMare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGKUUwlLg-A/Ve3cObjsBaI/AAAAAAAABwE/Nfvg0rGzgqY/s400/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs5%2BPrison%2Bde%2BBelle%2BMare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Belle Mare Prison, situated on the premises of Constance La Gaieté Sugar Estates was founded in 1783. It is one of the rare preserved structures reminding us of the treatment meted out to slaves during the 18th and the 19th centuries in Mauritius.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most sugar plantations had slaves and the Letter Patents enacted under the Code Noir in 1723 provided various forms of punishment for offences committed by slaves.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the early British occupation until the abolition of slavery in Mauritius in 1835, the conditions of slaves fared no better.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Belle Mare Prison is made of basalt stone and lime mortar. The building is divided into three blocks; the longest block about 6.38 metres in length was used to keep slaves under restraint in fetters. Several cells are present and the original door openings are quite low.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The original structure of the building has undoubtedly been altered and it was at one time even used by the sugar estate for tobacco curing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Belle Mare Prison was proclaimed a National Heritage site in 1951.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Rs9 - Château de Bel Ombre</u></h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzdcTcrf13Q/Ve3cgfJzk4I/AAAAAAAABwU/nGzcq8KDRiA/s1600/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs9%2BBel%2BOmbre%2BMansion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzdcTcrf13Q/Ve3cgfJzk4I/AAAAAAAABwU/nGzcq8KDRiA/s400/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs9%2BBel%2BOmbre%2BMansion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The Domaine de Bel Ombre was created in 1765 and in the early 19th century, the estate at Bel Ombre was planted with sugar cane on the coastal plains and produced sugar.<br />
<br />
Charles Telfair, from 1816 to 1833, developed this estate to a great extent by improving the sugar cane culture both field and milling operations and produced wood from the forests on hill slopes.<br />
<br />
The estate had various owners in the 19th century. It is believed that the present plantation house, the Château de Bel Ombre (Bel Ombre Mansion), was built by a rich Indian owner, Mr. Hajee Jackaria Hajee Ahmed who never came to Mauritius.<br />
<br />
It was designed by the architect who built the Treasury building, now the Prime Minister's Office.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Rs10 - IBL Building, Bowen Square, Port Louis</u></h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PQv501NK8E/Ve3cm_w4BpI/AAAAAAAABwc/IG_8b7uQqAs/s1600/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs10%2BIBL%2BBldg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PQv501NK8E/Ve3cm_w4BpI/AAAAAAAABwc/IG_8b7uQqAs/s400/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs10%2BIBL%2BBldg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the early 19th century, Mauritius experienced a fast expanding economy due to a soaring sugar industry and a rapid development of trading activities.</div>
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The Thomas Blyth, Sons & Co. and the Hunter, Ireland & Co. were established in 1830 and 1850 respectively.</div>
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Hunter, Ireland & Co., renamed Ireland Fraser & Co. on 1 July 1860, built impressive colonial style buildings in Port Louis in 1879 to House Ireland, Fraser & Co., General Merchants and Commission Agents; the Bowen Square was created.</div>
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The company was also known as Blyth Brothers and was involved in trade, especially in the export of sugar, in shipping and in insurance.</div>
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At the time, this stone building was in stark contrast with the other existing commercial ones of Port Louis. In November 1979, it became the registered office of Ireland Blyth Ltd. Since 2007, it is the registered office of Afrasia Bank Ltd.</div>
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Bowen Square is named after Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Governor of Mauritius from 1879 to 1882.<br />
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<b><u>Rs18 - Le Batelage, Souillac</u></b></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqwAsFIUa_A/Ve3ct9WnUxI/AAAAAAAABwk/dkrE-O0jxP8/s1600/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs18%2BLe%2BBatelage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqwAsFIUa_A/Ve3ct9WnUxI/AAAAAAAABwk/dkrE-O0jxP8/s400/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BRs18%2BLe%2BBatelage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Port of Souillac was an important strategic point during the French occupation but it was not before 1787 that it was provided with the necessary infrastructure and wharfs to facilitate access to coasters and other vessels of low tonnage.<br />
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Souillac was then a busy port area and the docks constructed within its precincts and which have of late been renovated as a tourist site, served as store for bales of sugar and goods before being shipped to Port Louis.<br />
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The Rs18 stamp is the only reproduction of a painting - by Y. Gunnoo - and the only stamp not to bear the location - Souillac - of the depicted place.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMCPmDkjfAE/Ve3d6xa0qnI/AAAAAAAABww/gzTW3GeaSPc/s1600/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMCPmDkjfAE/Ve3d6xa0qnI/AAAAAAAABww/gzTW3GeaSPc/s400/Sites%2B%2526%2BMonuments%2BUnofficial%2BFDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial registered FDC sent by express delivery with Advice of Delivery (AR)<br />
from Port Louis GPO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>The above text is adapted from the insert.</i><br />
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<u>Technical Details</u></h3>
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<i>Date of issue</i>: 18 April 2013</div>
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<i>Illustrations</i>:</div>
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Rs5 - Belle Mare Prison</div>
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Rs9 - Bel Ombre Mansion</div>
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Rs10 - IBL Building, Bowen Square, Port Louis</div>
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Rs18 - Le Batelage, Souillac</div>
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FDC - Bowen Square, Port Louis</div>
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<i>Graphic works</i>: Neshvin Ramsawmy</div>
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<i>Size</i>: 44.45 x 29.94 mm</div>
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<i>Printer</i>: BDT International Printing Ltd., Dublin, Ireland</div>
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<i>Process</i>: Lithography</div>
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<i>Number per sheet</i>: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25 separated by a gutter</div>
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<i>Perforation</i>: 14 x 2 cm</div>
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<i>Watermark</i>: w18 - CASCO</div>
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<i>Courtesy</i>:</div>
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Constance La Gaieté</div>
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Compagnie Sucrière de Bel Ombre</div>
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Ireland Blyth Ltd.</div>
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Mr. Yeshen Gunnoo, artist</div>
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Mr. Benjamin Moutou, historian</div>
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<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-32792115759098785892015-09-09T06:50:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:32:37.546+04:0030th, 40th and 45th Anniversaries of Independence of Mauritius<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Postal Services issued a Special Commemorative Cover on 12 March 1998 to mark 30 years of independence of Mauritius.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKGRapK5_90/Ve28ChJ-U5I/AAAAAAAABvc/JcsniDMW5NI/s1600/30th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKGRapK5_90/Ve28ChJ-U5I/AAAAAAAABvc/JcsniDMW5NI/s400/30th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>paille-en-queue</i> (a.k.a. <i>phaéton</i>) featured on the cover and in the special cachet.<br />
Two indigenous species in Mauritius: the White-tailed Tropic Bird and the Red-tailed one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mauritius gained independence on 12 March 1968 from the United Kingdom with Queen Elizabeth II as Monarch; Mauritius was previously also a Dutch (1638-1710) and a French colony (1715-1810). On 12 March 1992, Mauritius attained the status of Republic within the Commonwealth with the President of Mauritius as Head of State.</div>
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Some remnants of the British period are our judiciary, the First-Past-The-Post electoral system and our driving on the left.</div>
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The Mauritius Post issued Special Commemorative Covers on 12 March 2008 and in 2013 to celebrate the 40th and 45th anniversaries of independence respectively.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HE9QKHtACZQ/Ve28pgNj-iI/AAAAAAAABvk/tORc0ZplhMY/s1600/40th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2B%25281968-2013%2529%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HE9QKHtACZQ/Ve28pgNj-iI/AAAAAAAABvk/tORc0ZplhMY/s400/40th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2B%25281968-2013%2529%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special cachet with 40th anniversary slogan in Mauritian Creole:<br />
"<i>Nou pays, nou fierté</i>." Our country, our pride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />Note the difference in spelling of the Mauritian Creole word for 'country': "<i>pays</i>" like in French in 2008 and "<i>pei"</i> in 2013, and the use of accents in 2008 (for "<i>fierté</i>") and not in 2013 (for "<i>pei</i>").</div>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3m7FnYBTz8/Ve284KBuYiI/AAAAAAAABv0/6OnT7lAdPQQ/s1600/45th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2B%25281968-2013%2529%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3m7FnYBTz8/Ve284KBuYiI/AAAAAAAABv0/6OnT7lAdPQQ/s400/45th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2B%25281968-2013%2529%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Enn Pei, Enn Nasion, Enn Destin."</i> One Country, One Nation, One Destiny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Both SCCs portray on the left the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the new Mauritian flag at the Champs de Mars racetrack where thousands gathered.</div>
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On the right, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Shaw_Rennie" target="_blank">Sir John Shaw Rennie</a>, the last Governor, i.e. the acting Head of State, of colonial Mauritius congratulates Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister of independent Mauritius. After independence, the former became Governor-General of Mauritius.</div>
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The recurrence of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, dubbed by some 'The Father of the Nation,' on these SCCs and in the corresponding inserts, unfortunately does not reflect the work and efforts of other founding figures of independent Mauritius.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZfKEfRKheo/Ve281dU_5PI/AAAAAAAABvw/aIJLmr6Vzr4/s1600/45th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2B%25281968-2013%2529%2B2%2BSSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZfKEfRKheo/Ve281dU_5PI/AAAAAAAABvw/aIJLmr6Vzr4/s400/45th%2BAnniversary%2BIndependence%2B%25281968-2013%2529%2B2%2BSSC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private philatelic cover serviced at the Philatelic Bureau, Port Louis on 12 March 2013.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
12th of March being a public holiday in Mauritius, all outlets of the Mauritius Post are closed, with the only exceptions of the Postal Museum in Port Louis and the Philatelic Bureau, located in the Museum, opened to tourists and philatelists who wish to have their covers or mail serviced with datestamps indicating 12 March, independence day.</div>
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Commemorative stamps were released for the 5th, 20th and 25th anniversaries of independence, and definitive stamps (the 'History of Mauritius' set) for the 10th anniversary.</div>
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P.S.: The Postal Museum and, by extension, the Philatelic Bureau are open on public holidays; unless the public holiday is on a Sunday in which case the Postal Museum is closed. The last time the Postal Museum was exceptionally open on a Sunday was on 9 October 2011, World Post Day, when <a href="http://mauritianphilatelicblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/hiv-aids-awareness.html" target="_blank">two stamps</a> <a href="http://mauritianphilatelicblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/150th-anniversary-of-post-office-in.html" target="_blank">were being released</a>. Selected Post Offices throughout the island also opened for business for limited hours on that day.</div>
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<b>Technical Details</b></h3>
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<b>30th Anniversary Cover</b></div>
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<i>Release date:</i> 12 March 1998</div>
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<i>Stamp:</i> Rs10 - 'POST OFFICE' 1d. and 2d. on silver background</div>
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From the '150th Anniversary of the 'POST OFFICE' Stamps' issue of 22 September 1997.</div>
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<b>40th Anniversary Cover</b></div>
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<i>Release date:</i> 12 March 2008</div>
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<i>Stamp:</i> Rs15 - Painting published by Harrison, 1798</div>
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From the 'Dodo (<i>Raphus cucullatus</i>)' issue of 25 June 2007.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>45th Anniversary Cover</b></div>
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<i>Release date:</i> 12 March 2013</div>
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<i>Stamp: </i>Rs8 - <i>Anthurium andreanum var tropical</i></div>
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From the 'Anthurium' issue of 1 December 2004</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-30907970908556423342015-09-07T19:10:00.000+04:002015-09-07T19:10:24.197+04:00150th Birth Anniversary of Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1863-2013)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Mauritius Post released on 31 January 2013 a Special Commemorative Cover to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the father of modern Olympic Games.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxIYYu9PP0s/Veim9UjstHI/AAAAAAAABvI/VQqKKQvfBeA/s1600/150th%2BBirth%2BAnniversary%2Bof%2BBaron%2BPieere%2Bde%2BCoubertin%2B%25281863-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxIYYu9PP0s/Veim9UjstHI/AAAAAAAABvI/VQqKKQvfBeA/s400/150th%2BBirth%2BAnniversary%2Bof%2BBaron%2BPieere%2Bde%2BCoubertin%2B%25281863-2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Born on 1 January 1863 in Paris, France in a family of Italian origin, Pierre Fredy de Coubertin studied at a Jesuit school and then at the "<i>Ecole de Sciences politiques</i>" (School of Political Science).</div>
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He spent part of his youth in the familial home, the Mirville mansion in Haute-Normandie, northern France, and in Paris, at 20, Oudinot Street, where the seat of the International Olympic Committee was initially located.</div>
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Pierre de Coubertin founded the first International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 23 June 1894 in Sorbonne, Paris; the first Games were awarded to Greece, the cradle of Ancient Olympic Games.</div>
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De Coubertin only became the President of the IOC in 1896 until his resignation in 1925. He was passionate about history, sports, pedagogy, sociology, cultural heritage, art and politics and was a keen writer and sportsman.</div>
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The Olympic rings (five inter-locking rings coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red on a white background, mistakenly reproduced on the SCC) combine the colours of the flags of all participating countries at that time. </div>
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Baron Pierre de Coubertin passed away on 2 September 1937 at the age of 74.</div>
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<i>N.B.: Part of the above text was translated from French from the insert.</i></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Technical Details:</u></b></h3>
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<i>Release date</i>: 31 January 2013</div>
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<i>Stamp</i>: Rs25 - Kite Flying</div>
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From the 'Traditional Games' issue of 7 December 2006.</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6122679784755859294.post-22199830854741164252015-09-04T22:25:00.000+04:002017-09-17T01:31:09.348+04:00Inauguration of Eau Coulée Post Office<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Posts and Telegraphs Department of Mauritius released on 8 February 1991 a Special Cover to mark the inauguration of Eau Coulée Post Office.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_vNOROsF44/Veie2A8RWMI/AAAAAAAABu4/Gsxj18o9iZ8/s1600/Inauguration%2BEau%2BCoulee%2BPO%2BSCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_vNOROsF44/Veie2A8RWMI/AAAAAAAABu4/Gsxj18o9iZ8/s400/Inauguration%2BEau%2BCoulee%2BPO%2BSCC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eau Coulée is a locality of the town of Curepipe. It lies in the centre of the island in the Plaine Wilhems District.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Prior to 1991, no post office serviced Eau Coulée. If I am not mistaken, the closest Post Office was that of Curepipe Road, now closed.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Four Post Offices currently service Curepipe: Curepipe, Eau Coulée, Floréal, and Forest Side.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Technical Details:</b></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Release date</i>: 8 February 1991</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Stamps</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">40c - Sir Aneerood Jugnauth at desk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> From the '60th Anniversary of Prime Minister Sir Aneerood Jugnauth' issue of 29 March 1990</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rs1.50 - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whimbrel" target="_blank">Whimbrel (<i>Numenius phaeopus</i>)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rs3 - Submarine View</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> From the 'Protection of the Environment' definitive issue of 11 March 1989</span></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03106937884658366111noreply@blogger.com0