Are polymer notes problematic?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica’s recent transition to polymer banknotes has filled me with trepidation, as these plastic notes appear to be fraught with durability issues and recognition problems that threaten to undermine the very essence of our financial system.

As one who has an intimate understanding of the intricacies of graphic design and the nuances of printing on plastic surfaces, I have borne witness to the rapid deterioration of these polymer banknotes. The metallic holograms and intricate designs that adorn their surfaces, meant to be a bastion against counterfeiters, instead seem to be their own undoing. Like delicate petals withering under the relentless sun, the prints crack and peel away with each passing transaction.

But my concerns extend beyond mere aesthetics, for these polymer notes seem to be met with scepticism and confusion by the very machines designed to facilitate their exchange. Automated tellers and gambling boxes alike struggle to recognise these newfangled bills, rendering them akin to strangers in their own land.

In Nigeria, the colours of their polymer currency faded so quickly that merchants began rejecting them outright, forcing the reversion to paper notes. And let us not forget the inherent challenges that come with producing and recycling these plastic bills, processes that are often more resource-intensive and complex than their traditional counterparts.

Yet, it is in the subtleties of our island existence where I fear these polymer notes may falter most egregiously. The sleek, almost slippery texture that renders them so resistant to wear and tear may prove to be their undoing in our humid tropical climes. How can we expect people to maintain a firm grip on these smooth, unyielding surfaces? And what of the sticky residue that clings to them when dampened by the ever-present moisture in our air, a hindrance that could bring the machinery of commerce to a grinding halt?

While the allure of a durable, counterfeit-resistant currency may be strong, we must not allow ourselves to be blinded by promises that may prove hollow in the face of our unique reality. Let us pause and reflect, lest we find ourselves trapped in a future where our own money is rendered unrecognisable, a stranger in the land it was meant to serve.

YANNICK PESSOA