Trinidad and Tobago Debates Colonial Symbols in Public Hearing

In Trinidad and Tobago, the government held a public hearing to discuss the removal of colonial-era statues and symbols, including those of Christopher Columbus. Residents expressed varied opinions, from destroying the statues to relocating them to museums. The debate is part of a broader movement in the Caribbean to address colonial legacies.

In a small auditorium in Trinidad and Tobago's seaside capital, colonial-era figures such as Christopher Columbus were scrutinized during a heated debate punctuated by applause and outbursts.

The government asked residents whether they supported the removal of statues and monuments with colonial ties. Opinions ranged from relocating a prominent Columbus statue to a museum, to destroying it entirely. The majority supported the removal of these symbols.

This debate follows the government's recent announcement to redraw the nation's coat of arms, replacing Columbus' ships with the steelpan, a Caribbean instrument. Calls for further changes were also made, including removing the queen from the coat of arms.

(With inputs from agencies.)