The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) has welcomed the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s (ECCB) decision to feature the late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the newly redesigned EC$20 banknote, describing the recognition as a proud moment for Dominica.
In a statement, the party also expressed its appreciation to the ECCB’s Monetary Council, Governor and staff for introducing a new series of Eastern Caribbean banknotes that honour national heroes and other distinguished figures from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union for their contributions to the region’s history and development.
The redesigned banknotes were unveiled on July 9 during the ECCB Monetary Council Chairmanship Hand-over Ceremony in Roseau. The new notes, which replace the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes and prominent regional figures, were officially presented by ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine and members of the Monetary Council. The ceremony also marked the handover of the chairmanship from Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Gaston Browne, to Dominica’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Dr. Irving McIntyre.
The DFP said it was especially pleased that Dame Eugenia Charles had been selected to represent Dominica on the redesigned EC$20 note.
According to the party, the recognition pays tribute to a leader whose impact extended well beyond Dominica’s shores.
Dame Eugenia Charles was the first—and to date only—woman to serve as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. She was also the first female Prime Minister in the Caribbean and the only woman to have led a government within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). She served as political leader of the Dominica Freedom Party from 1968 to 1995 and as Prime Minister from 1980 to 1995.
The party said her appearance on the new banknote reflects her “sterling leadership and enduring legacy,” noting that she made significant contributions to the development of both Dominica and the wider sub-region.
The DFP further stated that Dame Eugenia’s reputation for honesty, ethical leadership and her direct approach to governance, together with her commitment to national and regional development, may have been among the reasons she was selected for the honour.
The party also extended congratulations to the other member countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union whose distinguished nationals have been recognised on the newly redesigned ECCB banknotes.
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Read the full statement below:
The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) applaud and express appreciation to the Monetary Council, Governor and Staff of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) for the newly redesigned Eastern Caribbean Banknotes portraying distinguished national heroes and prominent figures from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in recognition of their lasting contribution to the region’s history and development.
The Dominica Freedom Party is elated that the late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles has being honoured with a place as a Dominican legend on the newly redesigned twenty–dollar Eastern Caribbean Banknote issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. This is a proud moment for the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Dame Eugenia Charles, the first and to date only woman Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and the OECS, and the first woman Prime Minister of the Caribbean, she served as political leader of the Dominica Freedom Party from 1968 to 1995 and Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica 1980 to 1995.
As was remarked, her inclusion on the newly redesigned twenty–dollar banknote stands as a tribute to her sterling leadership and enduring legacy. Dame Eugenia made a remarkable contribution to the development of her country and the sub-region.
The Dominica Freedom Party believes that Dame Eugenia’s forthright disposition, her honesty, ethical leadership, and active role in the development of her country Dominica and the subregion generally, could have been some of the factors that helped influenced the decision of having her being chosen to be honoured with a place on the newly redesigned twenty–dollar Eastern Caribbean Banknote.
The DFP also wishes to salute the other islands in the Currency Union whose distinguished personalities were honoured with a place on the other denomination of the ECCB Banknotes.
