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THE MAURITIUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
150th Anniversary Celebrations
The Mauritius Postal Services is issuing a set of four triangular postage stamps to mark the 150th Anniversary of the
foundation of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This is the
first time ever that triangular stamps are issued in Mauritius. The set
consists of four triangular stamps of the following denominations: Re 1, Rs 2, Rs
7 and Rs 15.
The Chamber was set up in 1850 and is the oldest non-profit making institution of the Private Sector in the country. Originally
known as 'Chamber of Commerce', it took the name of 'Mauritius Chamber of
Commerce and Industry' in 1965, at a time when Mauritius was moving towards
inde?pendence and rapid industrialisation. Today, the Mauritius Chamber of
Commerce and Industry has 415 members representing a wide spectrum of economic
sectors including Commerce, Industry, Banking, Insurance, Transport, Tourism
and more.
Throughout its existence, the Chamber has
upheld its basic mission of defending and promoting the vital interests of its
membership. It has also constantly consolidated its structures so as to be in
a position to provide highly professional services to them.
As a main voice of the Mauritius business
community both at home and abroad, the Chamber's contribution to the
development of the country during the last century and a half has been most
appreciable. It has always maintained close links with Members of the
Government and the Civil Service. Furthermore, in its constant effort to
promote Mauritius in the world and widen the scope of its activities abroad, it
endeavours permanently to set up links, affiliations and contacts with private
sector and multilateral organisations internationally. It also contributes to
the outlining of the strategy of Mauritius in its foreign economic relations.
Re 1 - THE COAT OF ARMS
The stamp portrays the Coat of Arms of the
Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 1974, under the
Chairmanship of Mr. Joseph Georges Brousse de Gersigny, the Chamber applied to
the Royal College of Arms in London for the granting of a Coat of Arms to the
institution. The application was granted in 1975, and
the Coat of Arms was officially awarded on 28th August 1979. The
Chamber's motto, which appears on the Coat of Arms, is 'Non nobis, sed patriae',
which means 'Not for ourselves, but for our motherland'. The blue and yellow colours
symbolise trust, confidence and optimism.
Rs 2 - LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
The stamp symbolises new technologies and
the perception of the Chamber for the future. Vision, Service and Cohesion are
the three fundamental elements which are necessary for the perpetuation of the
Chamber's existence, for the successful carrying out of its mission and
functions, and for the preservation of unity, itself a pre-condition for
strength.
Rs 7 - THE CHAMBER'S FIRST SECRETARY
The stamp portrays a painting of Mr. Francis Channell, first Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. Born in England,
he arrived in Mauritius in 1838 and was active as a journalist, printer and
politician. He was appointed Secretary of the Chamber right from the outset,
and he remained in function until his death in 1872.
He was a Vice-President of the Soci?t? d'?mulation Intellectuelle
and an active member of the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences of Mauritius. Also,
he contributed towards the foundation of the Mauritius Literary Institution.
Rs 15. THE CHAMBER'S FIRST PRESIDENT
The stamps features a painting of Mr. Louis Lechelle, first
President of the Chamber of Commerce. Born on 1st September 1789 in
Port Louis, Louis Lechelle, financier and politician, took a major part in its
establishment. He chaired the meeting of 20th December 1849, in the
course of which traders were informed that authority had been granted by
Governor Sir George William Anderson to set up a new chamber of commerce (the first one was set
up in Mauritius in 1827 and lasted for a few years only). At the first meeting
of the institution, held on 25th January 1850, he was elected President of the
Chamber.
Mr. Louis Lechelle was also elected as
first Mayor of Port-Louis that same year. He kept his function for four
consecutive years, from 1850 to 1853. He died in 1856.
THE FIRST DAY COVER ILLUSTRATION
The First Day Cover illustrates the fa?ade
of the seat of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the beginning
of Royal Street in Port-Louis, a very short distance from Government Square and
'Place d'Armes', the avenue leading from the harbour to Government House, around
which the main private sector institutions of Mauritius have kept their seat
throughout practically all their history.
CANCELLATION CACHET
The cancellation cachet especially designed
for the issue is applied on official first day covers only.
Technical Details
Designer : Patrice Offman
Printer : Joh Enschede Security Printers
Stamp Size : 38,89 x 38,89 x 55 mm. (Triangular)
Perforation : 13,25
Gum : PVA
Paper : Crown Agents Watermarked
Sheet format : 60 stamps, set in 2 panes of 30
Release date : 25th. January 2000
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