Despite indications from the finance ministry, that the process of having certain people‘s image on a bank note is difficult, the call for new bank notes to bear Jamaica’s cultural icons, grows louder.
On Tuesday, political analyst Kevin Obrien Chang, launched a petition on the Office of the Prime Minister‘s website, supporting the call for the images of Bob Marley and Louise Bennett Coverley “Miss Lou“, to be put on the bank notes.
Shortly before 7 am this morning (Wed) the petition has amassed some 11 signatures.
The Bank of Jamaica regulations indicate that the front of each note should bear the portrait of either a Jamaican national hero, or a former prime minister.
Following Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke‘s announcement of plans to introduce a new $2,000 dollar bank note, featuring the images of former prime ministers Edward Seaga and Michael Manley, many Jamaicans have suggested that instead of more politicians, the note bears the images of Robert Nesta Marley and Louise Bennett Coverley.
The petition launched on Tuesday argued that Jamaica’s greatest achievement since independence in 1962 has been creating a globally famous culture, forged by icons who took a bold step, by giving credence to this vibrant culture in their own careers, both locally and internationally.
It said these icons have enabled Jamaica to become the world’s youngest, smallest and most indomitable world cultural super–power.
