Fiji removes Queen Elizabeth portrait from banknotes

Fijian dollars

flickr-Doug Beckers

New Fiji banknotes enter circulation with a flora and fauna design in place of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait, which has been printed on notes for decades. The face of either military dictator Commodore Frank Bainimarama or the military-appointed president Epeli Nailatikau could also replace the Queen's image. 

With the new banknotes, the Reserve Bank of Fiji allegedly hopes to promote Fiji's identity and biodiversity, particularly flora and fauna which have been listed as endangered species.

"All Fijians must be made aware of this fact and how critical it is to preserve our heritage," said the bank's governor, Barry Whiteside.

British royals have had their place on Fiji banknotes since 1934. The current military rulers of the island nation were angered after Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations following the country's coup d'état of December 2006 and its repeated failure to hold elections. 

In 2012, Fiji also abolished its annual holiday marking the Queen's birthday as it was deemed "no longer relevant".