Trinidad and Tobago Redesigns Coat of Arms to Remove Colonial References

Trinidad and Tobago is redesigning its coat of arms for the first time since 1962. The new design replaces Christopher Columbus' ships with a steelpan, a popular Caribbean instrument. This change is part of a global movement to eliminate colonial symbols. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Keith Rowley.

Officials in Trinidad and Tobago are redrawing the island's coat of arms for the first time since its creation in 1962 to eliminate references to European colonization, a decision that has garnered widespread approval.

The redesign will see Christopher Columbus' three ships — the Pinta, the Nina, and the Santa Maria — replaced with the steelpan, a beloved percussion instrument originating from the eastern Caribbean island.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced the change on Sunday to a standing ovation, stating that the new coat of arms would be unveiled by late September. "This marks a significant step in removing the colonial vestiges embedded in our constitution," Rowley said.

The current coat of arms also includes elements such as hummingbirds, a palm tree, and the scarlet ibis, which is Trinidad's national bird. Rowley's announcement comes just a week ahead of a scheduled public hearing to discuss the removal of specific statues, signs, and monuments associated with colonialism.

This update is part of a global initiative aimed at eradicating symbols of the colonial era. Statues of Columbus have been taken down or defaced across the United States in recent years. Columbus first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in 1498.

(With inputs from agencies.)