The Isle of Man community, in particular its key frontline delivery workers and health care professionals, are to be recognised and celebrated in a landmark set of stamps acknowledging countless acts of kindness, unity, care and positivity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Carry Us Through’, announced today (Sunday), reflects the unique response of an Island population to the challenges brought by coronavirus; highlighting the message that Love, Faith, Care, Compassion, Work, Community, Words and Science will #CarryUsThrough these unprecedented times. A donation from the sale of the stamps will be made to the Manx Solidarity Fund.
The collection of eight stamps has also been designed as an official thank you to everyone who has followed the rules of the current crisis so our key workers and our community - including doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers the world over – can #CarryUsThrough.
The concept was created by Ben Glazier who wanted to create a set that would inspire, not just in the current crisis but long into our recovery.
It has been endorsed by the Isle of Man Government as an issue which reflects the deep impact the global pandemic has had on society and celebrates people supporting each other and working hard to overcome adversity.
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, explained: ‘We wanted to send a positive message into every home in the Isle of Man and to our friends overseas to say how much we appreciate the people who are working tirelessly for us all and to share the sense of strength and fortitude in our community.
‘Key workers are so wide-ranging, from the NHS to our pharmacists, nursery staff and teachers to our frontline postmen and women and counter staff, the list goes on and they are all playing an important role in our community.
‘By replacing our normal stamps with these beautifully illustrated tributes, we hope to play our part in thanking the people who #CarryUsThrough and raise the morale of everyone that receives them.
‘The stamps also proudly display the three legs of Man, its meaning – “Whichever way you throw us, we will stand”. That motto summarises the Manx spirit and the determination of Manx people to fight on through this crisis.
‘A big thank you to the team at Glazier Design for their superb work at such short notice and creating a theme that is uplifting.’
Chief Minister Howard Quayle added: ‘When I became Chief Minister in 2016, I would never have believed that in 2020 the Isle of Man would be facing its biggest crisis since the Second World War. The decisions we have had to take have been unprecedented and no Government would ever wish to impose such restrictions on everyday life, if it was not essential to save lives.
‘However, it is also times like these where we see the very best of our Island community. Through technology and through being good neighbours, we have in some ways become more connected to our families and our communities. The way in which so many of us have rallied to support each other and, in particular, look out for the most vulnerable members of our society has been humbling and inspiring.
‘Our community spirit is what makes our Island such a unique and special place, and I think this is perfectly reflected by this stamp issue.’
The issue, available as presentation pack, a First Day Cover, postmarked with the first day of issue and mint condition from 4th May, is now available for pre-order from www.iompost.com/CarryUsThrough
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