ECCB unveils redesigned EC banknotes honoring regional heroes

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled new EC banknote designs that replace Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes, regional leaders and the ECCB logo. The redesign, announced July 9 in Dominica, is meant to reflect the people, heritage and achievements of all eight ECCU member countries.

Why it matters: - The redesign puts Eastern Caribbean identity at the center of the region’s currency. - The new notes honor local leaders, scholars and nation-builders from all eight ECCU member countries. - The shift removes the likeness of the late Queen Elizabeth II from the banknotes.

What happened: - Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine and members of the Monetary Council unveiled the new EC banknote designs on Thursday, July 9, during the Ceremony to Mark the Change in Chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council in Dominica. - The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank said the redesign follows public input that called for currency to reflect the region’s own heroes and achievements. - The new series also introduces the ECCB logo encircled by the flags of the ECCU.

The details: - The $100 banknote features Sir William Arthur Lewis and The Right Honourable Sir John George Melvin Compton of Saint Lucia. - The $50 banknote features former ECCB Governor Sir K. Dwight Venner and The Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw of Saint Christopher and Nevis. - The $20 banknote features The Right Honourable Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr of Antigua and Barbuda and The Honourable Dame Mary Eugenia Charles of Dominica. - The $10 banknote features The Most Excellent William Henry Bramble of Montserrat and The Honourable James Ronald Webster of Anguilla. - The $5 banknote features The Right Honourable Robert Milton Cato of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Sir Kirani James of Grenada. - Sir K. Dwight Venner now appears on the front of the $50 banknote instead of the back. - Sir William Arthur Lewis has moved from the back of the $100 banknote to the front. - The redesign for EC coins replaces the front likeness of Queen Elizabeth II with the ECCU logo. - The banknote changes are meant to honor the people, heritage and achievements of the eight ECCU member countries.

Between the lines: - The new currency design is a symbolic break from colonial-era imagery. - The selection of figures across multiple islands underscores a regional, not just national, identity. - The move also gives the ECCB a more visible brand presence through the new logo placement.

What's next: - The ECCB has not announced a release date for circulation of the redesigned banknotes and coins. - The new designs will likely replace existing notes and coins over time as the currency is issued and recirculated. - More details may follow from the central bank as implementation begins.

The bottom line: - Eastern Caribbean currency is being recast as a tribute to regional accomplishment, with local heroes replacing the monarchy on the region’s money.