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ECCB Announces Replacement of Queen Elizabeth II’s Likeness on Eastern Caribbean Currency
In a significant move, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has revealed plans to replace the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II on the Eastern Caribbean currency. The decision was made during the 105th Meeting of the Monetary Council of the ECCB on July 21.
Since its inception in November 1984, the Eastern Caribbean banknotes have prominently featured a large portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. However, the Monetary Council has now approved a proposal to replace her image with the logo of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). This logo represents all eight member countries of the ECCU. The proposal is subject to a period of public consultation, which will run until December 31, 2023.
While the Queen’s image will be replaced, it is anticipated that the landmarks currently featured on the Eastern Caribbean (EC) notes will be retained. These landmarks include the Warspite for Anguilla (on the back of the $10 note), Admirals House for Antigua and Barbuda (on the back of the $5 note), Trafalgar Falls for the Commonwealth of Dominica (on the back of the $5 note), Nutmeg for Grenada (on the back of the $20 note), Government House for Montserrat (on the back of the $20 note), Brimstone Hill for Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis (on the back of the $50 note), Les Pitons for Saint Lucia (on the back of the $100 note), and Admiralty Bay for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (on the back of the $10 note).
Additionally, the images of Sir Arthur Lewis (on the back of the $100 note) and Sir K. Dwight Venner (on the back of the $50 note) are likely to be retained on the EC notes.
To ensure public participation, the ECCB is inviting individuals to share their views on the proposal to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with the ECCU logo. The consultation period provides an opportunity for the public to suggest alternatives or additional images to be used on the EC currency. Recommendations can be submitted directly to the ECCB Connects Facebook Page or via email at newECimage@eccb-centralbank.org.
The Monetary Council aims to make a final decision on the new look for the EC currency by February 2024, taking into account the feedback received during the public consultation.
This development marks a significant transition for the Eastern Caribbean currency and reflects the region’s desire to further promote its collective identity and independence.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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