Fiji’s new series of banknotes and coins will come into circulation on January 2, 2013. The new designs were unveiled in Suva on December 12.
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Barry Whiteside said that flora and fauna designs of Fiji will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II across all denominations.
He said that members of the British Royal Family have been featured on Fijian currency since 1934.
“While it is sad to see this transition taking place, it is time to move forward and promote our own unique national treasure and biodiversity,” he said.
The Reserve Bank will also replace the $2 bank note with a coin from January 2, 2013 for the first time in Fiji’s history.
Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had approved appointment of a Currency Design Committee in February 2010.
Banknote and coin tender were invited and awarded to De La Rue Currency and the Royal Canadian Mint, respectively.
The new currency notes and coins were approved in November 2011.
Queen’s Birthday
Earlier this year, the Fijian Government announced that the country would no longer declare Queen’s Birthday as a public holiday.
Fiji has been observing June 12 as Queen’s Birthday Holiday even after the country became a Republic in 1987.
The Telegraph of London had quoted Jone Usamate, a spokesperson of Fiji’s Labour Ministry as saying, “The importance of the Queen’s birthday disappeared from Fiji when we became a Republic and now our status is that of an independent nation. There is a focus on more productivity and growth; and hence, as a result, the decision was made to cut down on the number of holidays in Fiji, as holidays can be a burden on business and the Government.”
