The Malta independence commemorative stamps

Abstract

After "The Break with Britain Resolution" was moved in Parliament on the 30th December 1957, for the first time in Malta there was a common united front and cry by the two major political parties, that the road forward for Malta was that of Independence. Foil owing the May 1964 referendum, while the Independence negotiations with the British Government were still ongoing, minister Dr. Carmelo Caruana (1916-1992) who was responsible for Agriculture, Fisheries and Communications, asked celebrated artist Chev. Emvin Cremona (1919-1987) to design a set of stamps so as to mark and commemorate Malta's Independence. Emvin Cremona was not new to this genre of work because he had already designed eight sets of postage stamps for Malta. The artist shortly after this request submitted his designs to the Ministry, which in its turn gave the necessary approvals. [excerpt]