Belize Unveils New Designs For Local Currency

BELMOPAN, Belize – Prime Minister John Briceño says the new designs of  the Belize currency have been rebranded with the likenesses of the country’s national heroes, George Price and Philip SW Goldson

briceojjPrime Minister John Briceño(left) and Central Bank Governor, Kareem Michael, at the unveiling of the new design for Belize currency on Thursday night (CMC Photo)“Today we honour Belize’s cultural heritage and the transformative impact our national heroes have had on our country,”  he told the unveiling ceremony on Thursday night organised by the government and the Central Bank of Belize.

“George Price led a revolution that was peaceful and constructive. He worked hard every single day to lead our nation to independence. Phillip Goldson understood the value of hard work and became known for his tireless work to defend his values.

“As  we look to the future and admire the design of the new currency notes, let us look beyond its value but see in this an investment in our economic stability. Let us celebrate those heroes who exemplify our national heroes who symbolize our resistance. As these banknotes begin to circulate let them symbolize a tangible connection to our past and the bright future that lies ahead,” Briceño said.

The government said that the new notes include iconic national imagery and symbols and should stir citizen pride and patriotism, having been inspired by Belize’s rich cultural tapestry.

“They also have advanced security and anti-counterfeit features at the forefront of global trends. These new printed designs will replace the notes that Belizeans currently use to conduct business transactions. Notably, this change will not negatively impact the value of the Belizean dollar,” it added.

Central Bank Governor, Kareem Michael, said he would like to reemphasise “that when we put the new series of notes into circulation there will be absolutely no change in its value. “Today one US dollar is equivalent to two Belizean dollar. This will not change. The value one Belize dollar after the new bank note is put into circulation will remain the same,” he added.

The new notes go into circulation in June and were designed by the British based company, De La Rue International Limited with the assistance of the Central Bank of Belize.

The newly designed bills include a host of new security features to prevent counterfeiting and according to Gareth Evans, De La Rue International Ltd’ regional director, utilizing the latest techniques in the design “we are introducing advanced design features that are at the forefront of the industry.

“These features include the use of cutting edge holographic dynamic color shifting technology, depicting the dynamic Belizean imagery. These elements enhance the visual appearance of the bank notes to promote authentication for the public.

“Additional layers of security are embedded in the design for authentication using simple tools such as UV lamps and magnetic fires. These combinations of features make counterfeiting a daunting challenge for even the most determined criminals.”

Evans said the introduction of new innovate features in the bank note ensure that the country is protecting yourself against counterfeiting and safeguarding the hard-earned money for Belizeans, both now and in the years ahead.

“But, beyond the security and durability, the importance of the aesthetic appeal of the bank notes cannot be overlooked. It is often stated that a bank note is like a country’s business card. The design should invoke pride and should resonate with the citizen.

“With that in mind, each note in the new series has been meticulously designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of Belizean culture. Working closely with the team at Central Bank, De la Rue has created a vibrant, fresh series of bank notes for the people of Belize,’  Evans added.