Left: Reserve Bank of Fiji governor, Barry Whiteside (left) hands over the bank’s token of appreciation to Iliesa Delana. Right: Digicel Fiji, chief executive officer, Maurice McCarthy (left) and Iliesa Delana pose for a shot with the coin at the launching of the Iliesa Delana Commemorative 50 cent ciculation coin yesterday at the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Photos: RONALD KUMAR
BY RANOBA BAOA
Iliesa Delana has achieved what has been dubbed as the highest recognition of the Reserve Bank of Fiji by featuring on 50 cent coins.
This after the bank launched the limited edition legal tender circulation coins yesterday at the groundfloor of Reserve Bank yesterday.
This also marks the bank’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.
The circulation which also commenced yesterday features Fiji’s Coat of Arms on the obverse side (front) and Mr Delana’s groundbreaking high jump during the 2012 Paralympic Games on other.
Reserve Bank governor, Barry Whiteside said 500,000 of these coins,were struck by its designated minting company, the Royal Canadian Mint.
“We believe that this is the highest level of recognition that we at the Reserve Bank can give someone,” Mr Whiteside said.
“What better way than to be featured on our Fijian currency, be known to the rest of the world and promote Fiji to the rest of the world.”
Design
Works on the coin were already in talks by the bank in September last year.
Mr Whiteside thanked FASANOC, and the sponsor for their assistance during the design of the coin.
“The coin can, of course, be used to pay for goods and services although I am sure it will fast become a collector’s edition, not only locally, but also by sporting enthusiasts across the world, given its limited mintage,” Mr Whiteside noted.
Witnessing the launch were Mr Delana’s sponsors Digicel Fiji chief executive officer, Maurice McCarthy, his coach, Fred Fatiaki, members of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC), the bank staff and other guests.
Delana thanks bank
A humble Mr Delana said: “It is not every day of in one’s lifetime that we get to see one’s achievement is recognised on a national scale and that too on a nation’s currency.
“I consider myself to be one of those few lucky ones and I will forever be grateful for the bank’s consideration.”
Mr Delana, no doubt a household name to all Fijians made his mark on the national, regional and international stage when he won a gold medal during his F4 category high jump event.