## Fiji’s Bug Bill

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Fiji’s Bug Bill](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/fandd/article/2018/march/currency.pdf)

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### Motivation and theme
- In 2012, Fiji redesigned its banknotes and coins to highlight endemic flora and fauna and to promote preservation, protection, and promotion of national heritage.
- The theme selection was made by a team of experts including biologists, historians of the National Museum of Fiji, and community representatives, under the guidance of the former governor of the Reserve Bank, Barry Whiteside.
- The redesign ended the display of images of the British royal family on Fijian currency after 78 years.

### Public reception and recognition
- The public response to the new series was positive; banknotes described as “colorful and vibrant” and relatable to the country’s natural history.
- The collection won the Regional Banknote of the Year Award in 2013 for visual artistry, technical sophistication, and accurate reflection of the country’s cultural heritage.

### Design process and anecdotes
- Some designs were produced from preserved specimens by Luis Morris, former senior banknote designer at De La Rue in the United Kingdom.
- Susan Kumar, chief manager of the Currency and Corporate Services Group at the Reserve Bank of Fiji, led work on the banknote series from conception to its launch in 2012 and recounted design moments such as watching a designer draw the petals of the tagimoucia while on a call.

*Source: Finance & Development, March 2018 (PDF: currency).*

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/fandd/article/2018/march/currency.pdf_