CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THERE is a feeling in some quarters that the face of the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, should be removed from the Eastern Caribbean currency and replaced with a person or persons more identifiable with the sub-region. Weekend Vibes asked Nevisians their opinion.
Naila Tyrell – Yes, I think the Queen should be removed from all E. C currency for a number of reasons:
(1) It will foster a sense of Caribbean identity;
(2) It is a subtle way to educate people on our lesser known regional heroes; and
(3) The monarchy is no longer a necessary way for us to be represented, as it no longer contributes to our society.
Samantha - I think it should be changed. Putting our own heroes will educate our kids. It would initiate questions, whereby our kids would ask who the person is. Whereby, we as parents would have the chance to educate our kids on the contribution made by our own. It would motivate the children to better strive for excellence to know if they work hard enough their faces can also be on their own money.
Nadia – Yes, I think it’s a brilliant idea, because it allows the Eastern Caribbean to stand on its own. Most kids look on their money and see the Queen; how do they relate to her? In school they learn more about national heroes than the Queen, so that’s why I think it should be changed in order for them to know more about their own.
Reemus - I back that to the fullest. It makes a lot of sense; let’s honor our own who have done significantly well. Forget about the Queen, all she does is sit all day. She ain’t doing anything for us.
Jerri-Lee - Once it does not cause any confusion and it is done in an organised way, I think it should be done because, to me, it would be good to honour those who contributed significantly to our development. The Queen does not bare much significance to us and I do not think we should associate ourselves with that kind of background, which is really one of oppression.
Nioka and Aujenelle - I think it should change because we have our heroes who have stood out and represented their countries and paved their way for us. Getting us where we are was not easy. Thanks to our heroes.
