In a move that honors trailblazing leadership across the Eastern Caribbean, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has launched a newly redesigned series of Eastern Caribbean dollar banknotes, drawing praise from the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) for selecting one of the nation’s most iconic figures to grace the EC$20 denomination.
The new banknote series was officially unveiled on July 9 at the ECCB Monetary Council Chairmanship Hand-over Ceremony held in Roseau, Dominica. A key shift in this redesign replaces the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II with celebrated national heroes and distinguished regional leaders from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), highlighting the bloc’s unique history and developmental legacy. The unveiling was led by ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine alongside members of the Monetary Council, and the ceremony also marked a formal transition in council leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gaston Browne officially handed the chairmanship to Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre.
For the DFP, the selection of the late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles to represent Dominica on the new EC$20 note is a moment of national pride. In an official statement released following the unveiling, the party extended sincere gratitude to the ECCB Monetary Council, the governor’s office, and all ECCB staff for developing the new series that centers the contributions of figures who shaped regional progress.
Dame Eugenia Charles holds a unique place in Caribbean political history. A lifelong leader of the DFP, she served as the party’s political head from 1968 to 1995, and made history as Dominica’s first and, to date, only female prime minister, holding office from 1980 to 1995. Beyond Dominica’s borders, she broke ground as the first woman to serve as prime minister across the entire Caribbean, and remains the only woman to ever lead a government within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The DFP emphasized that Dame Charles’ impact extended far beyond national politics, making her selection a fitting tribute to a leader who shaped the entire Eastern Caribbean sub-region. Her portrayal on the banknote, the party noted, is a reflection of her “sterling leadership and enduring legacy” that continues to resonate decades after her time in office. The party added that Dame Charles’ well-earned reputation for radical honesty, uncompromising ethical governance, straightforward approach to policy, and unwavering commitment to advancing both national and regional development were likely key factors that led to the ECCB’s decision to honor her.
In closing, the DFP also extended congratulations to all other ECCU member states whose own distinguished citizens have been recognized on other denominations of the new banknote series, framing the entire project as a meaningful celebration of the region’s collective heritage.