Plaques that will depict images celebrating landmarks in Bermuda's history were unveiled outside the Bermuda General Post office yesterday with the first exhibition showcasing stamps issued to celebrate the Island's 400th anniversary.

Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Terry Lister said: "Over the past 400 years Bermuda has prospered and our economy and system of democracy make us a model for countries around the world to emulate.

"The Bermuda Post Office has played a vital role in contributing to this prosperity through the development of the Island's local and international communications infrastructure over the past four centuries.

"The Bermuda Post Office also continues to fulfil a pivotal need in the today's community for reliable and affordable postal communications."

Bermuda Stamp design Advisory Committee Chairman, Dame Jennifer Smith added: "The Bermuda Philatelic Bureau has, over the years, produced several issues of stamps to celebrate Bermuda's pioneers of social and political reform, who have made notable contributions to the community and those events that make up the fabric of Bermuda's rich cultural traditions.

"It is only fitting in this milestone year of Bermuda's existence that we showcase some aspects of Bermuda's rich heritage and culture through a public exhibition of the Bermuda Post Office Philatelic Bureau's world renowned stamp images.

"The 400th anniversary stamps are the first in this year-long exhibit. They will be followed by exhibits of stamp images depicting the 100th anniversary of the Bermuda Marathon Derby, the Bermuda Tall Ship Race and the 50th year of the Bermuda Theatre Boycott.

"On behalf of the Bermuda Stamp Design committee, I would like to congratulate the Bermuda Post Master General and the staff of the Bermuda post Office for producing such an beautiful and creative display for the public to commemorate."