Central Bank Prepares Belizeans for Launch of New Currency Notes

The Central Bank of Belize is preparing to host two information sessions for the public on the new currency notes that will be circulated this year. The CBB announced last week that the “Know Your Money” training sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, with both morning and afternoon options available. These sessions aim to teach the public how to recognize the new banknotes and verify their security features. The sessions will have a hybrid format for both in-person and virtual participants. The CBB says that those wishing to attend the sessions in person need to reserve their spaces by April 30, and those wishing to participate virtually by May 2. In January, the CBB unveiled the new design for the five, ten, twenty, fifty, and hundred-dollar bills. These redesigned bills will no longer feature the British Monarchy but will instead honor two of Belize’s national heroes: the Right Honorable George Cadle Price and the Honorable Philip Goldson. The Central Bank partnered with global security printing expert De La Rue International Limited for this redesign. Expect to see advanced security features like holographic stripes, intricate watermarks, and Mayan numeral graphics. At the unveiling Central Bank Governor spoke on the importance of the new notes in an era of increasing digital transactions. 

Kareem Michael, Governor, Central Bank of Belize: “We are mindful of the increasing use of debit cards, digital transactions, and other forms of payment, which improve the ease of doing business in all areas of the economy. We are equally mindful of the high level of reliance that Belizeans place on the use of banknotes for the settlement of day-to-day transactions. The food vendor, the corner shop, on the bus, in a taxi are just but a few places where we reach for cash in our wallets and our purses to pay for the goods and services that we consume. The Central Bank of Belize therefore attaches high importance to the steps we take to ensure that the bank notes that we put into circulation are safe and secure as we seek to protect the interests of the public. The new family of notes that we launch today are no different. They are designed to enhance security features, making them more resilient against counterfeiting and misuse. As you will hear from the Prime Minister shortly, the new family of notes also allows us to recognize and celebrate our heritage and the rich history of Belize.”

The information session will take place at the Lecture Hall of the Central Bank of Belize, located at 1 Gabourel Lane in Belize City.