Banknotes
Curaçao and Sint Maarten Prepare for Launch of New Currency
The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) enjoyed a significant milestone at Crane Currency’s printing facility in Malta, witnessing the new Caribbean guilder banknotes roll off the presses.
A high-level CBCS delegation led by Executive Directors Mrs. Leila Matroos-Lasten and Mr. José Jardim were pleased with what they saw. Sharing her impressions, Mrs. Matroos-Lasten noted, "Today we as a team from the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten had the privilege to witness our first printing of our note, the Caribbean guilder.
"The layout is very beautiful, the security features are professional," added Mrs. Matroos-Lasten. "We could relay the layout also with features of both countries, and I think the communities of Curaçao and Sint Maarten will be very, very proud when this note gets into circulation."
Ensuring a Secure Future
The introduction of the Caribbean guilder comes as a necessary update, replacing the outdated Netherlands Antillean guilder, which have seen little change since their original issuance. The new currency includes modern security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and ensure the public’s continued confidence in their national currency.
Commenting on the security and precision of the new banknotes, CBCS Executive Director Mrs. Matroos-Lasten, stated “What struck the most was every detail involved in the process. One sees a note and thinks that's it, but there are so many layers, so many phases involved, and with each of them, a lot of tiny details where you get experts involved to get it to the product that we are seeing at the end."
Awareness Kick-Starts Public Ed Campaign
The CBCS has commenced a two-nation-wide Awareness Campaign to build anticipation for the new shared currency. The campaign engages the public with a blend of curiosity and local involvement, featuring familiar faces from Curaçao and Sint Maarten but withholding images of the new currency until the grand reveal on August 22, 2024.
Key Dates and Campaign Phases
- July 1, 2024: Start of Awareness Campaign
- August 22, 2024: Grand reveal of the Caribbean guilder banknotes and coins
- March 31, 2025: Introduction of Caribbean guilder into circulation
An extensive public information campaign will educate the public on the new currency’s characteristics and the story behind its design. CBCS will supply training to banks and retail businesses to ensure a smooth transition to the Caribbean guilder.