$100 note reaction
 

The Fiji Times
12.03.07

The introduction of the new $100 note by the Reserve Bank of Fiji received mixed reactions from different sectors of the community.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji officially launched the $100 note on Friday in addition to the unveiling of new designs for the $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes now in circulation.

Ram Kumar, 77, who owns a small supermarket in Cunningham Stage Four, said they were having problems with customers who demanded change for $20 and $50 notes early in the morning every day.

"There are people who will come every morning to change their $50 or $20 notes so that they are able to give their children their bus fares but when we refuse or do not have the change, they kick up a fuss," said Mr Kumar.

Another shop owner of Tacirua, who wished to remain anonymous, said business was very slow and there were times when he had been unable to serve customers when they asked for change for their $20 or $50 notes.

Fiji Retailers Association president Himmat Lodhia said people had the same conception when the $50 note was introduced in 1995.

Mr Lodhia said members of the public, including retailers both big and small, had complained that they would find similar problems.