New banknotes are a distraction - Golding

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has criticised the Government for not consulting the Opposition about the new and upgraded banknotes which were unveiled last week. 

Golding asserted that the approach reflects a deeper issue of arrogant governance as the proposed design involves powerful symbolism that affects some of the PNP's political leaders. 

“No consultation. They just brought it here last Tuesday with a whole bag of hype. That is not how we build a better understanding. That is not how you promote togetherness. That is not how we work together. That is disrespect. And yes, we know the prime minister wants his mentor, Mr. [Edward] Seaga, on a banknote,” Golding said in his contribution to the budget debate in Parliament today.

Golding argued that the new banknotes are a distraction from the “real issues that are biting the people”. 

“How do new banknotes help our people who are trying to survive day to day, living from hand to mouth? How is it relevant at a time like this? It will do nothing to help the people ride out the storm. As one man told me it will not put one more dumpling in the pot,” Golding lamented. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness rose on a point of order explaining that there was no consideration regarding the “well-known and close relationship that I have had with Mr Seaga, as an impetus or a reason or a cause for him to be added to our currency”. 

Holness said Seaga is on the banknote because he deserves to be there. 

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) will roll out a new $2,000 note in the coming months, which will bear the images of former prime ministers Edward Seaga and Michael Manley. 

Holness added that the government does not make national decisions on a political basis. 

The look and structure of the current notes will also be upgraded to feature all national heroes and deceased prime ministers.

The move coincides with Jamaica's 60th year of independence, but last week finance minister Dr Nigel Clarke said the current structure of the notes, which does not allow for durability, prompted the change.

Clarke had also said technical studies have shown that there is need for the introduction of a currency denomination between the $1,000 and $5,000 notes.

- Judana Murphy

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