Solomon Islands
Formerly a British Colony known as British Solomon Islands located north-east of Australia and south-east of Papua & New Guinea with an area of 28,450 sq.km.The group attained self-government status on the 2nd January,1976 with independence two years later. The two northern islands of Bougainville and Buka remained part of Papua & New Guinea.
The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, Prime Minister Sir Allen KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been very effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions
The bulk of the population of 540,000(2005) depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI has enabled a return to law and order, a new period of economic stability, and modest growth as the economy rebuilds.
Postal History of the Solomon Islands
Mail was initially sent unstamped to Sydney where New South Walestamps were applied and cancelled. Later the British Resident Commissioner kept a stock of New South Wales stamps which were still not cancelled until arrival at Sydney.From April 1906 a British Solomon Islands Paid handstamp was used, but postal authorities in Sydney still added New South Wales stamps.
Stamps inscribed 'British Solomon Islands' continued to be used after the change of name., though a new set was introduced in November,1975 with an overprint to obliterate 'British'
On achievement of self-government, membership of the UPU lapsed, though stamps continued to be circulated to other member countries. The islands became a member of the UPU in their own right in 1983.
Link to a Comprehensive Price List of Solomon Island stamps
• Sydney Philatelics • P.O. Box 122 Milton NSW 2538 •
• Phone: +61 (0)2 4455 4011 • Fax: +61 (0)2 8572 9911 •
• E-mail:info@stampsaustralia.com.au •
