The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is warning merchants and the public that the one cent and two cent coins are still legal tender, despite their withdrawal which commenced on July 1, 2015.
Deputy Director of the Currency Management Department, Rosbert Humphrey said persons have expressed concern that some businesses are refusing to accept the one and two cents coins and are rounding up the final amount for payment even if customers present the exact amount due for their purchases.
He said the coins are still legal tender and that the rounding process applies only if the customer does not have the exact amount required to settle the payment for their purchases.
He noted the intention is to withdraw the coins from circulation and that can only be achieved if businesses accept the coins from consumers. He also re-emphasised that businesses are asked not to give back the one and two cents coins as change.
Humphrey, however, said businesses and consumers throughout the ECCU have contributed towards the success of the process and continue to assist with the smooth removal of the coins from circulation.
???????????????????????????????????????