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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available for one year from issue and then be withdrawn from sale.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
