Bank of Guyana launches $50 note, commemorative coins

The Bank of Guyana yesterday launched a $50 banknote and two commemorative coins in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (Left); Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobin Ganga; and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry during the unveiling ceremony yesterday at the Bank of Guyana, Georgetown.

Governor of the Bank, Dr. Gobind Ganga, and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, unveiled the note and the coins in the presence of bank officials, representatives from the Mint of Norway, and the Minster within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry.
Dr. Ganga, during the presentation said that the $50 banknote carries the 50th Independence Anniversary logo to the right, the crest of the Bank of Guyana in the centre and the people of Guyana standing together as one, on the left.
The reverse side of the note, he said, portrays the National Flag and the map of Guyana in the centre, Peace Doves on the right, and the National Flower – the Victoria Regia Lily – on the left.
The public security features he said are easily identifiable. Appearing on the right side of the face of the note is a Windowed Security Thread which is visible when held up to the light.
On the left of the face of the note the Watermark of a Macaw and the value of the note (50) are seen when the note is held up to the light.
It bears the signatures of Dr. Gobind Ganga as Governor of the Bank of Guyana and Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan.
The note is said to be similar in size to the existing notes with the main colour on the front and back being brown.
The two Commemorative Coins are similar in design with the 50th Anniversary logo on the reverse and the Coat of Arms on the obverse. The $5,000 coin is struck in silver and plated in gold while the $2,000 coin is struck in a metallic alloy and plated in gold. These coins were struck by the Mint of Norway.
Dr. Ganga, stated that it customary for the Bank of Guyana to issue commemorative coins in observance to Guyana’s significant events and achievements.
The Governor said that the Banks sees Guyana’s Golden Jubilee as a momentous occasion and is delighted to be a part of the celebration.
He stated that over the past 50 years, the Bank has been playing a “significant” role in the Guyana’s development through the promotion of “financial evolution that encompasses monetary and financial stability, as well as safe and efficient payment system.”
The first commemorative coin, he said, was the $1coin which became popularly known as the “Cuffy Dollar”. That same time there was the $100 gold coin. It was issued in 1970. The second commemorative coin was issued in 1976 to mark the country’s 10th Independence Anniversary several others followed from1979 to 2015.
Minster Jordan lauded the officials of the Bank of Guyana for their creativeness. Also, he extended his gratitude to the Mint of Norway for “a job well done”.
Jordan stated the note encapsulates perfectly, the national symbols of Guyana.
He continued that the launch was an auspicious occasion which he opined, was a fitting way to celebrate Guyana’s collection and the Golden Jubilee concurrently.