The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has confirmed its progressive approach to replacing the British monarch’s portrait with regional figures on EC currency notes. Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine revealed during the 112th Meeting of the ECCB Monetary Council that the transformation will occur incrementally rather than through immediate wholesale replacement.
Antoine projected that the inaugural series of redesigned banknotes will likely debut in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the currency’s evolution. For generations, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness has graced denominations ranging from EC$5 to EC$100, symbolizing the region’s historical connections to Britain within the Commonwealth framework.
The transition initiative gained formal approval during the ECCB Monetary Council’s 105th meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2023. The council endorsed replacing monarchical imagery with the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) emblem, pending comprehensive public consultation processes.
Governor Antoine hinted at potential preliminary unveilings coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the currency peg this July, suggesting the possibility of a ‘big reveal’ event. Importantly, the central bank clarified that existing currency will remain legal tender and will be gradually phased out through natural circulation attrition rather than forced withdrawal. The new notes featuring regional heroes and culturally significant imagery will enter circulation as worn notes are systematically retired from service.