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Rodrigues Island is an integral part of the Mauritian territory. Since the days of colonization it was administered from Mauritius. Recognising the specificities of Rodrigues and the need to decentralize the National Assembly voted unanimously on 20 November 2001 the Acts which granted autonomy to the island.
On 12 October 2002 the Rodrigues Regional Assembly of 18 members was established with an Executive Council, a sort of mini-cabinet, headed by the Chief Commissioner as the Authority of Rodrigues.
The island was given the opportunity to shape its own destiny through a decentralized system of Government whereby decisions regarding the political, economic and social development could be taken.
This set of four stamps commemorates the 2nd Anniversary of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and the status of Rodrigues as an autonomous island in the Republic of Mauritius.
Rs2 - Plaine Corail Airport
Rodrigues had an airstrip at Plaine Corail which could be used only by small aircrafts. Prior to 2001 the restricted length of the runway allowed aircrafts like the Twin Otter and ATR 42 to provide an air service between Mauritius and Rodrigues.
With the rapid increase in the number of passengers, Government decided in 2001 to create a public company, The Airport of Rodrigues Ltd. to own, develop and operate Plaine Corail Airport.
The runway was thus extended by 250m, a new Passenger Terminal and Air Traffic Control Tower were constructed and other airport related infrastructure was carried out to enable Plaine Corail Airport to respond to the great demand. On 30 October 2002, the newly acquired ATR 72 of Air Mauritius. landed for the first time on the new extended runway with the then Prime Minister, Right Honourable, A. Jugnauth, P.C., K.C.M.G., Q.C., on board. The new Passenger Terminal was inaugurated in October 2003 and the first international flight between R?union and Rodrigues took place on 26 December 2003.
The new facilities at Plaine Corail Airport will continue to favour the economic development of the island and give a feeling of ?d?paysement? to all visitors and friends of Rodrigues.
Rs 7 - Eco-Tourism
Tourism is an important sector of economic development in Rodrigues. The Rodrigues Regional Assembly advocates the development of a ?tourisme ?cologique?; which is in harmony with the protection of the environment and at the same time preserve the authenticity of the island and the well being of the society. Eco-tourism has been boosted with the opening of direct flights from and to Reunion Island.
Rs8 - Agricultural products
Agriculture is considered as the backbone of the Rodriguan economy. Almost every family in Rodrigues rear animals and cultivate crops in their back yards. Many people depend on agriculture either for personal consumption or as a means to earn a living. Given the major changes in the tourism sector, action is being taken by the Regional Government in reforming the agricultural sector. A label for local products is being designed. This will help to promote the exportation of agricultural products, namely Rodriguan honey, chillies, beans and lemon and other local products to overseas market, thus enabling the economy of the country to thrive. Agriculture is the engine for local growth and development together with other economic sectors.
Rs10 - The Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms has been designed and officialised in the context of the first anniversary of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly with the motto: ?Travail - Solidarit? - Fiert??. This motto is a testimony of the pride of the Rodriguan people to live in an autonomous island and their determination to construct the country?s destiny in harmony and solidarity for the welfare of everyone within the Republic of Mauritius. On the Coat of Arms the following can be observed, ?Le Solitaire? and ?La Fauvette? birds, products of Rodrigues namely maize, fish and basketry with the sea and sun in the background crowned by the hibiscus flower.
La R?sidence, a rustic house of colonial architecture, was constructed in 1873 and has long served as official residence for the Island Commissioners. After undergoing complete renovation, La R?sidence was inaugurated as the new and official seat of the Executive Council by the Prime Minister, Hon. Paul R. B?renger, G.C.S.K and the Chief Commissioner, Mr. Serge Clair, G.C.S.K. The Executive Council meets there every Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Commissioner.
The Coat of Arms and La R?sidence on the stamp stresses the historical value and symbolises Rodrigues.
First Day Cover
The First Day Cover illustrates the birds on Ile aux Cocos which is a designated bird sanctuary.
Technical Details
Designer: Nick Shewring
Printer: BDT International Security Printing
Stamp Size: 27.94 x 44.45mm
Perforation: 14
Gum: PVA
Paper: CA Watermarked
Sheet Format: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25
Release Date: 12 October 2004
Denominations: Rs2, Rs7, Rs8, Rs10
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