Five Dollars
Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Kulawai (Red-throated Lorikeet), which is Fiji's smallest member of the parrot family. Predominantly green, the Kulawai is a very rare inhabitant of the mountain forest canopy which feeds on nectar and pollen. The last confirmed sighting was in 1993 and searches in the last few years have failed to find any. So are they extinct now?
A clear window with an image of a Kato ni Masima (salt basket) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 136mm x 68mm
Back - The design features an image of the endangered Vonu Dina (Green Turtle). It is one of the largest sea turtles and the most commonly found ones in Fiji. Of the seven different species found globally, this is the only herbivore feeding turtle and feeds mostly on seagrasses and algae. An image of Vutia seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium) consumed by the green turtles is also depicted. This note showcases two rare turtle species to the world and also in protecting them for sustainability.
Ten Dollars
Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Beli (Lever’s Goby). Beli is one of few true freshwater fish, living all its life in fast-running fresh water as it flows over stones to which they often attach. Their presence in any river is an indicator of good habitat quality and minimal catchment disturbance.
A clear window with an image of i Buburau ni Bete (duck dish) is featured on the banknote.
Sizes - 140mm x 66.5mm
Back - The design features three children planting mangrove along the coastline. Mangroves are largely threatened due to coastal development. Advocacy on protecting mangroves and restoring damaged ones is vital with mangroves regarded as climate heroes since they extract carbon from the atmosphere helping combat climate change and reduce global warming.
Twenty Dollars
Front - The design features the iconic Kacau ni Gau (Fiji Petrel) which is known to nest only on Gau Island in Fiji. For much of its life, the Kacau ni Gau is a true ocean bird and remains at sea probably well outside Fijian waters for months on end. It has a very distinctive flight style which helps to make it stand out.
A clear window with an image of a Foa (Rotuman coconut scraper) is featured on the banknote.
Sizes - 146mm x 67mm
Back - The design features the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Building located along Pratt Street in Suva. The RBF is the central bank of the Republic of Fiji and was established in 1984 as an independent institution through an Act of Parliament - the RBF Act (1983).
Fifty Dollars
Front - The design features the Tagimoucia (Medinilla waterhousei) flower which is perhaps Fiji’s best known flower. It is the subject of songs, stories and folklore. Tagimoucia is a liana of the upland forest and where it occurs it often flowers profusely in bunches of vivid scarlet petals contrasting with the pure white centres. It also occurs on Mount Seatura in Bua.
A clear window with an image of a Wasekaseka (Whale’s tooth necklace) is featured on the banknote.
Sizes - 151mm x 67mm
Back - The design features a Girmitiya lady with the Leonidas ship in the backdrop. The Leonidas was the first vessel that transported the Girmitiyas into Fiji on 14 May 1879. Girmitiya commonly refers to the indentured labourers from the then British India who were brought to work on sugarcane plantations in Fiji. These people were also shipped by the British to work in other parts of the world occupied by the British, like British Guiana, the Caribbean, Jamaica, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. These indentured labourers replaced the slave labourers following the abolition of the trade in the early 19th century. Most of these people were deceived, coerced or even kidnapped by the British and according to a British historian, Huge Tinker (b.1921-2000), he classified them as modern slaves. The indenture system was officially abolished on 1 January 1920 whereby the majority of the Girmitiyas eventually settled in Fiji. Today about 38% of the population are Fiji Indians or Fijian with Indian heritage. The Leonidas ship was a labour transport ship and made it's first voyage from Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1879 and arrived in Levuka Fiji. Over the next 37 years, it transported over 61,000 Indians to work in Fiji. This note clearly honouring those who came (willing or unwilling by force) and made contribution to Fiji's economic growth and stability through scarify and harsh labour conditions mostly in the agriculture industry.
One Hundred Dollars
Front - The design features Fiji’s endemic Nanai (Cicada). Cicadas are well known for their loud and ignoring calls, some of which resound through Fiji’s forests. Nanai is unique due to its striking appearance and is extremely well known to the inland communities of Viti Levu as it emerges in enormous numbers once every eight years and is not otherwise seen. Imagine the noise it can make as a group. Trust me, even just one can be annoying, not to mention as in a group.
A clear window with an image of a Buli Kula (Golden Cowrie) is featured on the banknote.
Governor - Faizul Ariff Ali (since 2017)
Sizes - 156mm x 68mm
Back - The design features an i-Taukei man (indigenous Fijian) in traditional attire holding (offering) a bilo (bowl) of kava. Kava is an integral part of the i-Taukei culture and is ritually consumed as part of traditional ceremonies such as welcoming visitors, resolving conflicts and making peace. Kava is also consumed widely in Fiji in casual social gatherings and is regarded as the national drink of Fiji.
Note * - I believe the following countries/nations have fully adopted polymer banknotes in full. When I say fully adopted, I meant that only polymer notes are issued going forward and not paper banknotes anymore.
Australia, Barbados, Brunei, Canada, East Caribbean, Falkland Islands, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Northern Ireland, Samoa, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
I have excluded The Philippines as I understand that the Philippines is still releasing paper notes and polymer notes for the same denominations for general circulation.
Officially, there are 195 countries around the world but the exact number can vary based on political recognition and disputed territories such as Taiwan, Transnistria and a few others. Based on 195 countries around the world, and the first introduction of Polymer banknotes in 1988 by Australia, today only approximately 11% of these countries have fully adopted polymer banknotes. Many countries are still taking the cautious approach and adopting a mixture of paper and polymer banknotes, with denominations issued in polymer that are common and popular in demand.
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