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In 1892 The Gilbert and Ellice Islands became a British
protectorate with the seat of administration in Tarawa. Several more
islands were annexed and in 1916 the territory was changed from a protectorate
to a colony.
The first steps toward self-rule were taken in the early
1970's leading to the separation of the Ellice Islands (now known as Tuvalu) in
1976 and the establishment of Internal Self-Government in The Gilbert Islands in
1977.
Complete independence was attained on 12th July 1979 and the new
state of Kiribati (pronounced Kiribass) came into being.
Kiribati
is a group of 33 islands, with a total land area of only 310 square miles,
sprinkled over two million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. The
remoteness of these islands from the rest of the World is the biggest problem
facing the new nation, and at the same time, its greatest asset, for the
peaceful lifestyle of the Gilbertese people is exceptional in an increasingly
hectic World
Stamp Issuing
Policy
The Kiribati Philatelic Bureau was enlarged
in July 1978 when the country became independent and has since been further
enlarged to service the demand from collectors throughout the world.
To
ensure that the stamps of Kiribati become, and remain, an essential part of any
discerning philatelist's collection, the following stamp issuing policy has been
laid down and will be adhered to at all times:
1. Unless
exceptional circumstances decree otherwise, no more than six Special or
Commemorative issues, and souvenir sheets commemorating philatelic exhibitions
as appropriate. will be released in any one year.
2. 'Pemanent"
definitive stamps should have a life of 3-5 years before
replacement.
3. Face values of all stamps should reflect postal and
economic demands.
4. The stamps of Special and Commemorative issues
will generally remain available for one year from issue and then be withdrawn
from sale. Only on rare occasions involving sssues of major international
importance will this period be exceeded.
5. Special and
Commemorative issues should only be made as a on a subject of specific relevance
to Kiribati.
Small quantities of most issues are overprinted 'SPECIMEN'
specifically for circulation to the editors of philatelic publications
etc. Where any such 'SPECIMEN' stamps remain surplus to requirements, they
will be distributed amongst Standing Order Account customers.
Standing Order
Account
There is no better way of making sure that
you obtain all New Issues of Kiribati than by becoming a Standing Order Account
customer.
By simply ensuring that your account remains in credit at all
times you will.
.be sure of automatically receiving all New
Issues.
.not have to make separate payments for each
issue
.receive free Newsletters keeping you in touch with Bureau
activities and giving advance information on future issues
Methods of
payment are detailed below, but please do remember that which ever method of
payment you choose you must keep your account in credit at all times to be sure
of getting the best from your Standing Order Account.
How to send your
deposit
Customers are strongly advised to make all
remittances to the bureau in Australian currency.
We are happy to accept
deposits and paymets by the following
methods.
Bank
draft
Certified
cheque
British Postal
Order
Personal
cheque
Mastercard
Visa
We regret that we cannot accept payment in stamps, reply coupons, or
coins.
In your own interests we recommend that bank notes be sent by
registered post.
Please send all remittances
to:
The Bureau
Manager
Kiribati Philatelic
Bureau
GPO Box
494
Betio,Tarawa
Republic of
Kiribati
Central
Pacific
Fax No 686 26193
