A new chairman has taken the helm of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council as regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to financial stability and deeper integration, while unveiling a new family of EC banknotes celebrating the people and heritage of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
The ceremony, on July 9th, marked both a symbolic and practical milestone for the currency union, highlighting a renewed focus on regional cooperation, financial resilience and a shared Eastern Caribbean identity as the Monetary Council begins a new chapter under McIntyre’s leadership.
Dominica’s Finance Minister, Dr Irving McIntyre, officially assumed the chairmanship of the Monetary Council, succeeding Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
In his farewell remarks, Browne reflected on regional initiatives aimed at strengthening economic integration, including efforts to improve inter-island transportation.
“Among the transformative initiatives under consideration is OECS, which can strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate commerce, and support tourism and investment throughout the currency union,” Browne said.
He argued that the need for improved regional air transport has become increasingly urgent as travelers continue to face disruptions.
“The need for OECS is even more apropos today, recognizing the frustrations of perpetual flight delays and cancellations among existing carriers,” he said.
“In fact, the patchwork of carriers that we have within the region, leaving regional travelers stranded on a daily basis.”
As he assumed the chairmanship, McIntyre acknowledged the significance of the role and the responsibility it carries for the people of the Eastern Caribbean.
“To chair this council is to accept responsibility for helping safeguard the financial well-being of more than 650,000 people across our currency union, from Anguilla in the north to Grenada in the south,” McIntyre said.
“I therefore assume this responsibility with a profound sense of duty, fully mindful of the uncertainty created by an increasing volatile geopolitical and economic environment.”
The leadership transition coincided with the unveiling of a redesigned series of EC banknotes, which the ECCB said reflects the region’s collective history and identity.
ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine explained that each participating member territory selected an individual whose achievements embodied the values shared across the currency union.
“Each participating member country was invited to nominate an individual whose life and legacy reflect the highest ideas of service, leadership, scholarship, and excellence,” Antoine said.
“This evening, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union proudly honors persons whose contributions have shaped their nations while advancing our shared regional identity.”
The new notes are expected to enter circulation as part of the ECCB’s ongoing modernization programme, combining enhanced security features with imagery honoring distinguished Caribbean figures whose service has contributed to both national development and regional unity.