Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo says the newly launched banknote marks not only an important milestone for the Central Bank towards the evolution of Samoa’s currency, but for the nation as well.
Mulipola made the comments during the official launching last night, citing this is the first time in Samoa’s history of Banknotes, a 60Tala-denominated note will be issued into circulation. A unique way to culminate the yearlong celebration of our 60th Independence.
According to the Minister the banknote represents the celebration of a “NEW DAWN”, a beginning of a new day which is the sign of living hope, and a new era as we celebrate an important change in Samoa’s history. The first female Prime Minister to be appointed to create a new dream for the people of Samoa.
This new banknote portrays the first female prime minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in its 60th year of independence.
The other side features the first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II as he lowered the New Zealand Government flag on its first independence.
Remarkably, the banknote features a father and daughter both appointed to the office of Prime Minister – within 60 years of Samoa’s independence.
The banknote features the 60th Independence logo with the theme of “Folau ma le Fa’atuatua” or “Sail with faith” and Samoa’s national motto “Fa’avae i Le Atua Samoa” or “Samoa is founded on God”
The banknote also features for the first time, an all-female signatories on a Samoan banknote at any point in time – that is, the signatures of our first female Minister of Finance, and the first female Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa.
This commemorative 60tala banknote not only commemorates our 60 years of independence but also the accomplishments of Samoan women, and the unique importance of their role in the Samoan culture, as per the Samoan proverb “E au le ina’ilau a tamaitai”.
She said the 60Tala commemorative banknote includes several significant technical changes to enhance security features.
For instance:
(i) It includes a new updated window security thread in blue and green;
(ii) New Colored banknote for easy recognition of the new denomination.
(iii) New security watermark design featuring the national flower, Teuila.
(iv) A 14.00mm gold iridescent band near the watermark
(v) The note will also be carbon neutral.
