New banknotes for Fiji announced
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has today announced that a new series of banknotes and coins with new obverse designs will be officially unveiled by the president of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on 12 December 2012. Flora and fauna designs of Fiji will replace the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II across all denominations. Members of the British royal family have featured on Fiji’s currency since 1934. The reason given for this step by the Reserve Bank is that it’s “time to move forward and promote our very own unique national treasure and the biodiversity that lies all around us.“ Along with the design changes, the Reserve Bank will also introduce a $2 coin to replace the $2 note. Governor Whiteside said that a number of the new flora and fauna designs selected are unique to Fiji. “Some clearly belong on the endangered species list and all Fijians must be made aware of this fact and how critical it is to preserve our heritage.“ The new 2012 flora and fauna design series notes and coins will come into circulation 2 January 2013. (Source)
Update 30 November 2012: The Telegraph reports that Fiji might also replace the Queen's head for that of the new dictator Commodore Frank Bainimarama or the military-appointed president Epeli Nailatikau. This news is denied at Fiji itself. We'll have to wait another two weeks to be sure!
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