Belize City, Belize: In a bold step away from its colonial past, Belize has announced that it will replace the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II on its banknotes with portraits of its national heroes. This significant shift, confirmed by, Governor of Belize’s Central Bank, marks a symbolic move towards a more independent and self-determined future. The redesigned currency, which will also feature enhanced security features, is set to enter circulation in June 2025.
Who will be featured then?
The new banknotes will prominently display George Cadle Price, Belize’s first prime minister and a key figure in the country’s independence movement, on the $100, $20, and $5 bills. Price, who passed away in 2011, is widely regarded as the “Father of Belizean Independence” and is credited with leading the country to its independence from British colonial rule in 1981. Price also famously resisted Guatemalan territorial claims over Belize, further solidifying his place in the nation’s history.
On the $50, $10, and $2 bills, the currency will feature the portrait of Philip Goldson, a key figure in Belizean politics and a symbol of national pride. Goldson played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape and is celebrated for his contributions to Belize’s democratic development.
Path Towards Republic
Notably, the redesign does not feature an image of King Charles III, despite his position as the current head of state of Belize, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. This absence has raised eyebrows among some citizens, particularly those advocating for Belize to transition away from the monarchy entirely and become a republic.
Prime Minister Johnny Briceño, however, defended the redesign, emphasizing both its practical and symbolic significance. In addition to replacing colonial-era imagery, the new notes incorporate advanced security features, including a transparent panel and a raised insignia designed to assist the visually impaired. These improvements aim to bolster the integrity of Belize’s currency while reflecting the country’s evolving national identity.
While the change has been met with mixed reactions, many Belizeans view it as an important milestone in the nation’s ongoing decolonization efforts. Supporters of the redesign argue that it is a necessary step to reflect Belize’s sovereignty and to honor the contributions of local leaders who shaped the country’s path to independence.
Political scientist Dr. Dylan Vernon hailed the redesign as a “symbolic but significant step” in the decolonization process. He called for further political and constitutional reforms to complete Belize’s journey toward full autonomy. Vernon, who has long advocated for a Belizean head of state, expressed hope that the new currency would inspire the public to support broader changes, such as transitioning to a republic and establishing a Belizean president as the head of state.
Following the precedents
While Belize’s move represents a significant symbolic gesture, it places the country among others in the region, such as Barbados, which became a republic in 2021. Jamaica is also expected to transition to a republic in 2025, further highlighting the growing trend among Caribbean nations to sever formal ties with the British monarchy.
Though Belize is not expected to fully transition to a republic immediately, the redesign of its currency suggests that this could be on the horizon within the next decade. As with many constitutional changes, the timeline will depend on overcoming political and practical challenges, including the will of the people and the political establishment.
For now, the redesigned currency serves as a poignant reminder of Belize’s ongoing efforts to shed the vestiges of colonial rule and embrace a future led by its own leaders. The shift in banknotes is not just a financial change but a profound statement of national identity and pride.
Source: Guardian, Bank of Belize
