Opposition questions launch of new $2000 banknotes in Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica: The opposition leader took a dig at the PM Andrew Holness led government after new banknotes were issued last week. The Opposition Leader Leader Mark Golding said that they were not consulted on the major change. He called the government "arrogant" for not consulting the opposition for such a serious decision concerning the country. The government of Jamaica last Tuesday declared the launch new $2000 banknote featuring former Prime Ministers Edward Seaga and Michael Manley, which will appear together. [caption id="attachment_41171" align="alignnone" width="100%"] Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke during the launch of new banknote at Budget Debate on Tuesday (March 8)[/caption]"There were no consultations; they just brought it here with a huge bag of excitement on Tuesday. That is not the way to improve comprehension. That is not the way to build unity. That isn't how we collaborate. That is a sign of disrespect. And yes, we are aware that the prime minister wanted his mentor, Edward Seaga, to appear on a banknote," Golding said during the budget debate in Parliament.The new banknotes, according to Golding, are a diversion from the "actual concerns that are impacting the people of Jamaica.""How do new banknotes assist our people who are striving to make ends meet on a daily basis, living hand to mouth? What relevance does it have at this time? It will not assist the people in weathering the storm. It won't put another dumpling in the pot, as one man informed me," Golding bemoaned.However, as per the Minister of Finance and the Public Service Nigel Clarke introduction of a $2,000 was necessary and will bring greater efficiency to the current structure in Jamaica. In his address during the launch of the new banknote, he said the new banknotes would also increase the security of banknotes to decrease the risk of counterfeiting. Before the launch of new $2000 banknote, Jamaica only had $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $5,000 notes in circulation.