Central Bank Unveils New Belize Currency, Dropping British Monarchy Design

In a few months, currency notes with new designs will go into circulation across the country.  This evening, the Central Bank of Belize unveiled the new designs for the five, ten, twenty, fifty and hundred dollar bills, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history. The redesigned notes no longer highlights the British Monarchy which has long been a feature of existing bills. In its place, the new notes honor two of Belize’s national heroes: the Right Honorable George Cadle Price and the Honorable Philip Goldson, celebrating their transformative contributions to the country’s independence and development.  In this venture, the Central Bank partnered with De La Rue International Limited, a global leader in polymer substrate and banknote design.  The company placed focus on incorporating advanced security features such as holographic stripes, intricate watermarks, and Mayan numeral graphics. Each denomination is color-coded for ease of use and features thematic depictions, including the black orchid, Belize’s national flower, which adorns every note. Governor of the Central Bank, Kareem Michael was the first presenter at today’s reveal.   

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.”

Prime Minister John Briceño reassured the public that the updated design would not affect the value of the Belize dollar which remains pegged two Belize dollars to one US dollar.  He added that the move signals not only technological and aesthetic progress but also a step toward decolonization, reflecting Belize’s forward-thinking vision and deep respect for its history and culture. At today’s ceremony reporter Jaleeza Roberts asked attendees for their immediate reaction to the new currency designs.

This redesign is part of an ambitious effort to enhance security, promote national pride, and celebrate Belize’s rich cultural heritage. The circulation of these redesigned currency notes is anticipated to begin later this year.