The EC$2 commemorative banknote that features legendary former West Indies cricketer and Antigua and Barbuda’s living National Hero, Sir Vivian Richards will be available at commercial banks today.
The banknote, which the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) launched on Friday, is expected to be a symbol of hope which will inspire greatness in the people of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, the bank said.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Finance and Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, Camillo Gonsalves and Governor of the ECCB Timothy N.J. Antoine spoke at the launch of the banknote in Antigua on Friday.
Antoine the ECCB hopes that placing Sir Vivian’s image on the strong EC currency would deliver fresh inspiration for the people of the Caribbean, not just for cricketers, but for all youth and people around the world.
“We hope we can rekindle, through this act, a consciousness about Caribbean civilisation, self-belief, a sense of purpose and fearlessness as you so ably demonstrated on the field of play.”
Meanwhile, Gonsalves echoed Antoine’s sentiment, saying the Central Bank hopes to inspire all citizens of the Eastern Caribbean to “reflect on the qualities, principles and the excellence embodied in the image of Sir Viv”.
Gonsalves added that the transition from an image that embodied a “difficult past” to the one on the commemorative note presents the hope of a new, confident and exciting future.
In his response, Sir Vivian said that he was honoured and humbled to receive such recognition from the ECCB.
The cricketing legend acknowledged the role of his parents who instilled in him the self-belief, which he said enabled him to be successful.
The banknote was designed by De La Rue and joins the family of polymer notes which the ECCB first introduced in 2019.