Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Clarity Times) – October 26, 2024 – The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is moving forward with a historic redesign of the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar, set to feature notable Caribbean figures instead of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This transition to regionally significant icons highlights the cultural and historical heritage of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, and Montserrat.
The new currency bills are expected to start circulating in 2027, with the EC$100 note being released first. Other denominations, including the $5, $10, $20, and $50 notes, will be introduced gradually as current supplies are exhausted. Each banknote will feature two prominent ECCU nationals, with ten different regional figures appearing across the series. This change was finalized by the ECCB Monetary Council during their 105th meeting on July 21, 2023, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar, in use since 1965, originally evolved from the British West Indies dollar and has traditionally featured the British monarch. The upcoming design change reinforces the ECCB’s commitment to regional representation and unity.
To ensure the redesign resonates with citizens, the ECCB is keeping iconic symbols such as Trafalgar Falls in Dominica, Admiralty Bay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Les Pitons in Saint Lucia. Additionally, esteemed individuals like Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis and former ECCB Governor Sir K. Dwight Venner are anticipated to remain on the $100 and $50 notes, preserving their historical contributions.
Replacing the Queen’s image on Eastern Caribbean currency is a meaningful step toward emphasizing regional independence, heritage, and identity. By showcasing prominent local figures instead, the new banknotes reflect the cultural and historical values of the Eastern Caribbean nations, moving away from colonial symbols and fostering a sense of pride among citizens.
This shift aligns with many Commonwealth countries’ reassessment of monarchy representation following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting a modernized approach that resonates more closely with current generations and reinforces regional unity across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, and Montserrat.
