St. Maarten – A series of stamps commemorating aviation pioneers from Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten has been issued by Nieuwe Post Nederlandse Antillen N.V. in cooperation with the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation. The stamps featuring ‘Freddy’ Johnson (Saba), José ‘Pipe’ Dormoy (St. Eustatius) and ‘Chester’ Wathey (St. Maarten), as well as special first day envelopes were presented to the families of the pioneers and to the Lieutenant-Governors of Saba and St. Eustatius and to the leader of government of St. Maarten by the General Managing Director of Nieuwe Post N.A. during a special ceremony at the Belair Community Center in St. Maarten.
General Managing Director Mr. Franklin Sluis, Post Master General of the Netherlands Antilles, acknowledged the contributions of the three pioneers to the development of the islands before handing over specially framed presentations of the first day envelopes to Patsy Johnson from Saba, widow of the late ‘Freddy’ Johnson; to Ms. Elizabeth ‘Elly’ Deliën from St. Eustatius, partner of many years of the late José Dormoy; and to Ms. Brenda Wathey of St. Maarten, daughter of the late Norman ‘Chester’ Wathey.
Lieutenant Governors and Commissioners
Mr. Jonathan Johnson, Lieutenant Governor of Saba, said that the first day memento would find a special place on the walls of Saba’s airport in honor of the pioneers. Commissioner Chris Johnson, speaking on behalf of the government of Saba, stated that: “We have a very vibrant, new community in Saba and that would not be possible if Saba had never been opened up to the outside world.” On behalf of the younger generation of the island, he expressed appreciation for being able to enjoy the results of the work of the aviation pioneers.
The lieutenant-governor of St. Eustatius, Mr. Hyden Gittens, also congratulated the families of the honored aviation pioneers and said that the legacy of these great men would be continued.
St. Maarten leader of government Commissioner William Marlin recognized the pioneers “who have left their marks in aviation history, each of them in their own respective way,” and went on to say that “it is important that the Postal Services were able to engrave their names in history – not only for the families but for us as a people. And it should not stop there. It should become part of the text books that we still have to write. ”
Mr. Frans Richardson, St. Maarten’s commissioner for aviation affairs, also stressed that “We must continue to highlight the achievements of our people in aviation.” He underlined that it is important to record the stories of those early years before it is too late so that everyone “can have an understanding of what was the contribution to the aviation world of our people. “ He commended the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation for taking up this task.
Families and Friends
Senator Will Johnson from Saba, brother of the late Freddy Johnson, spoke words of thanks on behalf of his family. He stated that “Freddy and his family have been one of the most reliable agents for Winair since 1962,” and reminded the audience that “For years Freddy did not charge Winair ground handling fees as he said Winair could not afford it.” Referring to the legacy of the pioneers, he also mentioned how “In the past thirty years many young St. Maarteners, Statians and Sabans have been inspired to learn to become pilots.”
Historian and communications professional Walter Hellebrand from St. Eustatius, secretary and member of the board of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation, spoke on behalf of Ms. Elly Deliën, partner of the late José Dormoy. He highlighted the role of “Pipe” in releasing Statia and Saba from their isolation and thereby improving the quality of life of the people. He conveyed the appreciation of Ms. Deliën and the Foundation for immortalizing José Dormoy on “a stamp that reminds us that it takes extraordinary people to make things happen that we now find ordinary and take for granted.”
Ms. Brenda Wathey expressed the appreciation of the Wathey family for the recognition shown to her father.
The Van Dol Dancers livened up the spirits with a captivating performance before everyone was invited for drinks and snacks catered by the St. Martin Food & Beverage Catering Services.
The stamps.
Mr. Terrance Rey, managing director of AirStMaarten, a company specializing in private charters throughout the Caribbean and current President of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation, emceed the event. He remembered how just over a year ago, while discussing ways to honor the aviation pioneers of the Windward Islands over lunch with Ms. Elizabeth Deliën (then president of the Foundation), the management of the Post Office happened to walk in. The subsequent talks and discussions that day led to the submittal of a request to have the three stamps issued.
The stamps are valued 59 cents (Freddy Johnson), 110 cents (Chester Wathey) and 164 cents (José Dormoy). They are available – as are the special first day envelopes – from all post offices in the Netherlands Antilles and also from postal agents such as Mazinga Store in St. Eustatius.
Projects of the Aviation Pioneers Foundation.
The Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation was established in 2008 by Elly Deliën to preserve and promote the history of aviation in the Caribbean - in particular in the Windward Islands – and to pay tribute to the pioneers who opened up the islands to the outside world and thereby played an important role in their development. Some of the ways by which the Foundation tries to achieve its purpose include research and exposure of the history of aviation as well as projects to create more interest in the aviation history of each individual island. As a non-profit organization, the Foundation’s work could not be possible without the generous contributions of many donators and contributors. More information can be found on: www.aviationpioneers.info.
In its first year, the Foundation’s sizable archive was inventoried and organized. Also, displays commemorating the aviation pioneers were arranged for Saba’s airport and Winair’s sales office in St. Maarten. A comprehensive, twelve panel display highlighting the aviation history of Saba, Statia, St. Barth’s and St. Maarten was unveiled in the departure lounge of Statia’s airport in September 2009.
The Board would like to encourage everyone with stories, material or images relating to the history of aviation in the northeastern Caribbean to contact the Foundation so that scans or copies can be made in order to increase the knowledge of its fascinating beginnings and development.
