Caribbean News
JAMAICA: New Banknotes Unveiled
#Kingston, December 16, 2022 – Jamaica’s new banknotes have arrived and are slated for phased release into circulation in 2023.
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, unveiled the printed polymer notes during a press conference at the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) on Thursday (December 15).
“These notes are quite different from the notes that exist today. They feel different, they have different features, and in order for them to be in circulation the Bank of Jamaica has to work with the existing commercial banks to ensure that the [automated teller machines] ATMs can be reprogrammed to efficiently handle these notes,” Dr. Clarke outlined.
The overall currency circulation process could take up to six months, with an estimated June 2023 completion timeline.
The new series, which was announced by the Minister during the 2022/23 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives in March, includes the introduction of a $2,000 bill and a redesign of the entire suite of notes.
Dr. Clarke highlighted that they maintain the decades-old policy of reflecting Jamaica’s culture and history, “and particularly, on one side of the banknotes, any face that appears is the face of a National Hero or deceased Prime Minister”.
As such, all five late former Prime Ministers of Jamaica and the seven National Heroes are reflected on the six notes.
Dr. Clarke further pointed out that the notes are less susceptible to counterfeiting and are more user-friendly for persons who are visually impaired.
Central Bank Governor, Richard Byles, emphasised that in order to remain ahead of counterfeiters and more effectively mitigate and manage the risks associated with counterfeiting, “the BOJ has enhanced the integrity of Jamaica’s banknotes by incorporating more state-of-the-art security features in the new series of notes”.
He said the newly unveiled currencies will address public concerns that the existing $500 and $5,000 notes are not easily distinguishable, especially in low-light conditions.
“By giving each bank note distinctly different colors, the redesign of the notes ensures that each denomination can be easily and clearly recognised and distinguished from other bank notes,” Mr. Byles explained.
He reiterated that the new notes, which will be printed on polymer substrate, are expected to last at least 50 per cent longer than their predecessors, which have a lifespan of about two years.
Consequently, the BOJ says its banknote reorder quantities will be lower, as replacements will be done less frequently.
This is expected to result in cost savings and greater efficiency in the Central Bank’s currency replacement operations.
Arrangements are also being made for the disposal of the polymer waste material without compromising the environment, the BOJ said.
This is the second time in Jamaica’s history that a series of banknotes is being launched.
The banknotes were printed by British firm De La Rue, the world’s largest integrated commercial banknote printer, which Dr. Clarke thanked for the “quick job… to turn this around”.
Contact: Mickella Anderson
Release: JIS
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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