Former Jamaican Prime Ministers Michael Manley and Edward Seaga will be featured on new banknotes issued by the government. A newly created $2,000 banknote will include the image of Manley and Seaga together, according to an announcement from Dr. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance. The decision to put the two former leaders on a single note represents an attempt at promoting unity in the country. Other rebranded Jamaican banknotes will be overhauled as well, with Marcus Garvey appearing alone on an upgraded $100 note rather than on the $20 coin, and all other national heroes whose images had been removed from banknotes being restored in a new collection slated for circulation later in 2022.
Sam Sharpe and Nanny of the Maroons will appear together on the $500 note; Nanny of the Maroons is the only woman whose image is featured on Jamaican currency. The $1,000 banknote will feature Norman Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante, while Paul Bogle and George William Gordon will appear together on the $50 note.
About the Bank of Jamaica
Bank of Jamaica is Jamaica’s central bank. Its role is outlined in the Bank of Jamaica Act 1960.
The Bank has three main functions. These are:
- formulating and implementing monetary policy to maintain price stability;
- ensuring the maintenance of a sound and efficient financial system; and
- meeting the currency needs of the public.
