5 February, Basseterre, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis – The Eastern Caribbean Central
Bank (ECCB) is projecting that the polymer five-dollar note will be released by the end of March.
The ECCB launched its family of EC polymer notes in May 2019 with the new $50. The $100, $20
and $10 have since been issued. The release of the five-dollar, which was initially projected for
September 2020, has been delayed due to a decrease in demand for the note. The Acting Director of
the Currency Management Department Rosbert Humphrey, says that although five dollar notes are in
circulation more than any other denomination, it is the least demanded note.
Humphrey further explains that the polymer five-dollar notes may not be issued in all of the ECCB
member countries at the same time, as the commercial banks in each country have a different level of
stock which would determine when the new notes are released.
Humphrey also encourages the public to continue to take care of the EC polymer banknotes. He
advises against creasing, crumpling and applying heat, as these actions can compromise the features
of the polymer banknotes. “It’s your money, take care of it,” Humphrey says.
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