NEWS RELEASE
January 10, 2024
Bank of Jamaica Outlines Process Towards the Removal of Jamaica 60th Independence Anniversary Logo From Polymer Notes
A news article published in the print media on 10 January 2025 referenced what was referred to as “plans to redesign the country’s polymer banknotes”. Bank of Jamaica has not embarked on any steps to redesign the polymer banknotes which were designed and printed in 2022 and issued in June 2023. The Central Bank has however enquired of commercial banks in the normal course of confidential consultations, their readiness for the next steps towards the removal of the “Jamaica 60” logo and tagline from the new series of polymer banknotes.
It should be recalled that the 60th Independence Anniversary logo was included on the new polymer banknotes in recognition of the attainment of this milestone by the country in August 2022. This type of recognition is not new, as a similar acknowledgement was made on banknotes issued in 2012, when Jamaica observed 50 years of Independence. At that time, all circulation banknotes were modified to display the 50th Anniversary of Independence logo on the front of the notes, and the vignette depicting students from Central Branch Primary school on the back. The changes made to the banknotes to mark Jamaica 50 constituted a seamless and orderly transition, and following the observance of the Jamaica 50 Independence Anniversary, there were still no issues in the transition from these 2012 commemorative notes to the regular circulation notes for daily operations.
As was the case in 2012, the Jamaica 60 logo is not a security feature of the current series of banknotes and this was communicated to the commercial banks in official communication including in technical working group meetings and sensitization sessions, prior to the introduction of the new notes into circulation on 15 June 2023. Bank of Jamaica also provided training to staff of commercial banks in how to recognize the various security features of the banknotes; such features authenticate the banknotes and also distinguish between denominations. In this regard, ATMs and processing machines ought not to have been calibrated to identify the Jamaica 60 logo as a security feature.
The removal from the banknotes of the Jamaica 60 logo will be required with that special Independence observance having passed. However, no decision has been taken on a timeline for the issuance of banknotes without the 60th Independence Anniversary logo. A timeline for the removal of the Jamaica 60 logo will be communicated following further consultations.
Bank of Jamaica continues to fulfil its obligations for the timely order and issuance of banknotes and gives the assurance that sufficient quantities of banknotes are in stock to meet demand.
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