Atlanta Daily World

10,000 Stamps To Honor Two Panamanian Workers

BY A. E. VILLIERS

MOUNT HOPE Canal Zone - (ANP)- Some 10,000 persons cheered here last week when Gov. Francis K. Newcomer and George W. Westerman received scrolls from West Indian Stamp Appreciation Committee for their part in bringing the first tangible recognition to West Indian labor in the construction of the Panama canal.

It was the 37th anniversary of the opening of the great waterway to world shipping. The demonstration in the Mount Hope stadium was the first of its kind by the West Indian community.

To honor the dead and continue to serve the living West Indians and their progeny who have given life and limb in the construction of the canal and to pay tribute to those who are now engaged in the canal's maintenance and operation, Gov. Newcomer had approved the issuance of a ten-cent airmail postage stamp in recognition of West Indian contribution in the building of the canal.

In 1947, Westerman, research director of National Civic League and Panama City newspaperman who is himself descended from West Indians, suggested to the Canal Zone administration that some recognition should be publicly given those pioneers who had labored in making this country habitable for the present generation and who had labored in building the canal.

Gov. Newcomer in his address observed that he did not approve of the $25 a month disability allowance now paid out to retired local rate employees. He said he had received word from Washington that the Canal Zone Administration Bill for between $45 and $50 has been voted out of committee and would be brought before congress for legislation.

Frank Wang, recently retired, then executive secretary of the Canal Zone and who had worked for more than 39 years with and among West Indians, encouraged Westerman to pursue the matter for what he termed "the forgotten men" of the Canal Zone. It was not until this year that Gov. Newcomer finally approved the stamp issue which went on sale in Canal Zone post offices Wednesday, August 15.

Graham A. Lewis, veteran labor leader and longtime Panama Railroad employee was given the opportunity to buy the first stamp of the issue. This was delivered to him by the director of posts during the ceremonies at the Mount Hope stadium.

In the presence of high ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the United States, Canal officials, Panamanian officialdom, and delegations from religious, fraternal, labor and civic groups of the Republic and the Canal Zone Gov. Newcomer and Westerman received scrolls of commendation.

From Jamaica representing the West Indies was Monsignor Gladstone Orlando Wilson chancellor of the Vicariate of the Roman Catholic Church there, as principal speaker.

Gov. Newcomer in his address observed that he did not approve of the $25 a month disability allowance now paid out to retired local rate employees. He said he had received word from Washington that the Canal Zone Administration Bill for between $45 and $50 has been voted out of committee and would be brought before congress for legislation.