Trinidad & Tobago updates Coat of Arms to omit Columbus’ ships

Trinidad & Tobago is redesigning its coat of arms for the first time since 1962, aiming to remove symbols associated with European colonization. This decision has been widely applauded by many in the eastern Caribbean nation.

The new design will replace the current depiction of explorer Christopher Columbus’s three ships—the Pinta, the Nina, and the Santa Maria – with the steelpan, a popular percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad & Tobago.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced the redesign on Sunday at a convention for his party, the People’s National Movement. The announcement received a standing ovation, and Rowley mentioned that the updated coat of arms is expected to be completed by late September.

“This change signifies our commitment to eliminating colonial remnants from our constitution,” Rowley stated.

The current coat of arms, created after Trinidad & Tobago gained independence from the UK in 1962, also features hummingbirds, a palm tree, and the scarlet ibis, the national bird of Trinidad.

Additionally, Trinidad & Tobago plans to hold public hearings to discuss the possible removal of statues, signs, and monuments with colonial associations.

Prime Minister Rowley is also advocating for the country to end its use of the UK’s Privy Council as its highest court of appeal. This legal relationship, still maintained by several Commonwealth countries, would be replaced by a local or regional judicial body, as reported by local media.

Rowley expressed his desire for Trinidad & Tobago to no longer “remain squatters on the steps of the Privy Council.”