Fiji to replace Queen on currency with military dictator
Fiji is removing the Queen's picture from its currency and may instead show images of its military dictator, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
Fijian military Commodore Frank Bainimarama and the Queen's face on a Fijian two dollar banknote Photo: AP/Alamy
By Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney
9:48AM GMT 30 Nov 2012
British royals have appeared on Fiji banknotes since 1934 and remained both after independence in 1970 and after the country became a Republic in 1987.
But the country's current military rulers were angered after Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth following its 2006 military coup and its repeated failure to hold elections.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji said a new currency without the image of the Queen would enter circulation from January 2.
The bank's governor, Barry Whiteside, said the Queen's image would largely be replaced by a flora and fauna design. He said he was "sad" to be removing the image of the monarch and the change marked the end of an era.
"We are indeed grateful to have had the privilege of this association over the past 78 years," he said.
The bank did not say whether a new face would appear on the notes but reports said Commodore Bainimarama and the military-appointed president, Epeli Nailatikau, were both likely candidates.
Mr Whiteside said Commodore Bainimarama, the country's self-appointed prime minister and finance minister, has approved a currency design committee to oversee the selection of the designs.
Earlier this year, Fiji abolished its annual holiday celebrating the Queen's official birthday because it was deemed "no longer relevant". The Union Jack still appears on the flag, reportedly because several hundred Fijians serve in the British army.
But Commodore Bainimarama, who took power in a bloodless coup, has at times spoken of restoring the Queen as head of state and has portraits of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hanging above his office desk.
The bank said it hoped to promote Fiji's biodiversity, particularly flora and fauna which have been listed as endangered species.
"All Fijians must be made aware of this fact and how critical it is to preserve our heritage," Mr Whiteside said.
The new note designs will be unveiled on December 12.
