The Eastern Caribbean (EC) banknotes have been redesigned to honour the people, heritage and achievements of the eight member countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).
Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy N.J. Antoine, today unveiled the new designs, marking a historic milestone in the evolution of EC currency. For the first time, the banknotes will no longer feature the likeness of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Instead, the new designs showcase distinguished national heroes and prominent figures from across the ECCU, reflecting the region’s shared identity, history and achievements.
The $100 banknote features Nobel laureate in economic sciences , Sir William Arthur Lewis , and The Right Honourable Sir John George Melvin Compton.
The $50 banknote features former Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (1989–2015), The Honourable Sir K. Dwight Venner , and The Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw.
The $20 banknote features The Right Honourable Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr and The Honourable Dame Mary Eugenia Charles.
The $10 banknote features The Most Excellent William Henry Bramble and The Honourable James Ronald Webster.
The $5 banknote features The Right Honourable Robert Milton Cato and Sir Kirani James, LLD (Hons).
At its 105th Meeting on 21 July 2023, the Monetary Council approved the replacement of the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the EC currency and directed the ECCB to undertake public consultations. Those consultations, conducted between July and December 2023, confirmed strong public support for featuring national heroes and nation builders on the redesigned currency.
The new series represents a significant step in the evolution of the EC currency. It honours the cultural diversity and enduring legacy of the people who have shaped the Eastern Caribbean. It also preserves the security, integrity and trust that have long defined the EC dollar.
The unveiling took place during the Ceremony to Mark the Change in Chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council, which was held at the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort, Commonwealth of Dominica.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sir VC Bird and Dame Eugenia Charles Among Icons Replacing Queen on New EC Banknotes.