Barbados is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It lies just north of the equator, between North America and South America, and is one of the most populous countries in the region. The country was first claimed by the Spanish and then the Portuguese but, it was subsequently abandoned. It was initially explored by the British in 1625 and it was officially taken over by Britain during in 1627. The name “Barbados” is comes from the Portuguese word “barbado”, a facial hairstyle thath resembles a beard or whiskers. Read along to learn about their latest Polymer Banknotes.

Map of Barbados | Source: WorldAtlas

Barbados is home to some of the oldest civilizations on Earth, including Arawak Indians who lived there centuries ago. Barbados became politically independent from Britain in 1966 and joined the Commonwealth of Nations as an independent member state on November 30th that year. It has since become an independent democracy with a parliamentary government. Today, Barbados has a rich cultural heritage that includes music festivals such as Crop Over Festival and calypso music. It also has a thriving economy that relies heavily on tourism but also includes agriculture and manufacturing industries.

Arawak Village, 1860 | Source: Wikipedia

Why Did Barbados Go With Polymer?

Earlier this year the Central Bank of Barbados announced that they would joining the likes of Canada, Australia, UK, Mexico, Fiji etc. in adopting the polymer banknote. Yes, you heard that right, another country steps into the 21st century of banknote technology. This new technology will allow for more durability since polymer banknotes last 3 times longer than normal paper banknotes. This also coincides with the global “going green” campaign because the banknotes can be recycled more efficiently and even be turned into other items. In addition, polymer technology brings added security features that make them even harder to duplicate by counterfeiters. Also they will also have tactile marks to help the visually impaired.

Barbados 5 Dollars | 2018 | Source: Banknote World

The New Design – Old Taste

On Dec 5, 2022 the Central Bank of Barbados will introduce 6 new polymer banknotes in the denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Dollars. The design is very similar to the current paper ones in circulation. The new banknotes will feature a new vertical design which has become a very popular in the last few years. They follow the same color schemes as the current series and even feature portraits of the same figures. The blue $2 will feature scientist and agronomist John Redman Bovell. The green $5 will feature senatory and cricketer Frank Worrell. The brown $10 features physician and politician Charles Duncan ONeal. The purple $20 features Samuel Jackman Prescod. The orange $50 features Errol Barrow who was the first prime minister of Barbados. Lastly the grey $100 features politician Sir Grantley Adams. The reverse side features a windmills, buildings, and landmarks.

Barbados 10 Dollars | 2013 | Source: Banknote World

Sources:

Thumbnail Source: Keesing

http://www.centralbank.org.bb/portals/0/banknotes/home.html

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