The New $100 Bill

Everybody is talking about the new Belizean banknotes. Some welcome the change, while others remain uncertain. But the decision has a clear purpose and meaning: it is about shaping and strengthening Belize’s national identity.

This change embraces our history in a way that honors those who built this country—leaders who stood for justice, defended people’s rights, and worked to improve the lives of Belizeans. By placing their images on our money, we celebrate our heroes rather than clinging to colonial symbols of the past.

The new currency is more than just money—it is a statement of who we are as a nation and a reflection of Belize’s beauty, resilience, and pride.

Why George Cadle Price Now Appears on Belize’s $100 Bill

Belize has taken a historic step by redesigning its currency, replacing the image of Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes. The most notable change is the introduction of George Cadle Price—the Father of the Nation—on the $100 bill. This move signals a deliberate shift in identity and pride for the young nation.

From Colonial Symbol to National Hero

For decades, Belize’s banknotes featured Queen Elizabeth II, a reminder of the country’s colonial ties. The Central Bank of Belize recently unveiled a new series of bills that remove the British monarch entirely, replacing her with leaders who helped shape Belize’s independence and modern identity. The decision is both practical, as the notes now carry advanced anti-counterfeiting features, and deeply symbolic, reflecting Belize’s ongoing journey away from its colonial past.

Who and Why Was George Cadle Price Choose.

George Cadle Price is remembered as Belize’s first Premier and later its first Prime Minister, guiding the country to independence from Britain in 1981. Revered across party lines, he is honored as the nation’s foremost political leader and was awarded the Order of the National Hero in 2000. His name lives on through landmarks such as the George Price Highway, George Price Boulevard, and the George Price Centre for Peace and Development.

Placing his image on the $100 bill is a tribute to his lifelong dedication to national unity, self-determination, and the building of modern Belize.

Why the Change Matters

Replacing the Queen with Price marks more than a design update. It represents Belize’s assertion of its own story—one told not through colonial figures but through those who struggled and sacrificed for independence. Alongside celebrating its political history, the new notes also feature Belize’s natural treasures, including the Great Blue Hole and marine life, underscoring the country’s cultural and environmental wealth.

This move echoes similar efforts across the Caribbean as nations increasingly seek to honor their own heroes and distance themselves from colonial legacies. For Belize, the $100 bill now carries not just monetary value but also a renewed sense of identity and pride.