The Cayman Islands Postal Service announces the release of the Cayman Islands Christmas 2015 stamp issue on December 2nd, 2015. The issue features, for the first time, the artistic expressions of students of the Cayman Islands, in a series themed, “What does Christmas in the Cayman Islands Mean to you?”

The stamp design project began a year ago when the Cayman Islands Postal Service invited all students to submit artwork in a competition to determine the entries that best represent the theme.

Participating students had to be between six and 18 years old and attend school in the Cayman Islands. Entries had to be drawn on a blank piece of 8.5 x 11 paper and the images were expected to be colourful and representative of the Islands. For instance, no snow drawings would be considered. Other than these specifications, the students were given free rein to create. Over 50 entries were received.

The four-image stamp series, inclusive of denominations 20¢, 25¢, 75¢, and 80¢ and a first day cover, depict the winning designs of Zara Garofalo, Arianna Anglin, Samruddhi Tagalpallewar and Cerys Martin, all of Ignatius Catholic School, and Clementine Bonnie Lumsden of Cayman Prep School.

“I am very pleased that the stamp design competition has resulted in a very artistic and colourful stamp issue designed by local school children. Each year it is challenging to create a Christmas stamp issue that reflects a theme relevant to the Cayman Islands. The 2015 Christmas stamp issue is a little more unique because of the input from the children; and, I thank all of the children who submitted entries for the competition,” remarked Ms Sheena Glasgow, Postmaster General of the Cayman Islands Postal Service.

For more information, contact Acting Philatelic Manager Diana Johnson on 946-4757, or view the collection on line at www.caymanpost.gov.ky .