ECCB unveils redesigned EC banknotes honoring regional heroes

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled new EC banknote designs on July 9 in Dominica, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with national and regional figures from the eight ECCU member countries. The redesign aims to reflect local heritage and identity across both banknotes and coins.

Why it matters: - The new EC currency puts regional identity front and center. - The redesign replaces a colonial-era image with leaders, scholars and public figures from the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. - The change affects both banknotes and coins, giving the currency a more locally rooted look.

What happened: - Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine and members of the Monetary Council unveiled the new banknote designs on Thursday, 9 July, at the Ceremony to Mark the Change in Chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council in Dominica. - The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank said the redesign honors the people, heritage and achievements of the eight ECCU member countries. - The banknotes no longer feature the likeness of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The details: - The $100 banknote features Sir William Arthur Lewis and The Right Honourable Sir John George Melvin Compton. - The $50 banknote features former ECCB Governor 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). - The new series includes, for the first time, the ECCB logo encircled by the flags of the ECCU, described as the ECCU logo. - Sir K. Dwight Venner now appears on the front of the $50 banknote instead of the back. - Sir William Arthur Lewis moves from the back of the $100 banknote to the front. - The redesigned EC coins will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the front with the ECCU logo.

Between the lines: - The Monetary Council framed the redesign as a response to public input. - Antoine said the currency belongs to the people of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. - The ECCB says each member country nominated an individual whose life and legacy reflect service, leadership, scholarship and excellence.

What's next: - The ECCB did not give a public date for when the new notes and coins will enter circulation. - The redesign signals a broader shift toward symbols that reflect the region's own history and achievements. - The bank's social media channels and contact information were included with the announcement for public updates.