Avellon Williams
Port-of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago- Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has announced a significant change to Trinidad and Tobago’s national coat of arms, stirring both support and controversy within the Caribbean nation.
The three ships of Christopher Columbus, which have been a part of the emblem since its design in 1962, will be replaced by the steelpan, the country’s national instrument. This decision marks a symbolic step towards shedding colonial legacies and embracing national identity.
Prime Minister’s Announcement
At the People’s National Movement (PNM) special convention, Prime Minister Rowley declared, “You see three Columbus ships in the emblem? They will go. Since we have enough votes in Parliament to do it, I could announce now that as soon as the legislative adjustment is made—and that adjustment should be made before the 24th of September—we then over a six-month period will replace Columbus’ three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña, with the steelpan”.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this change is part of a broader initiative to remove colonial vestiges from the country’s constitution. “That should signal that we are on our way to removing the colonial vestiges that we have in our constitution,” he stated, highlighting the symbolic importance of this move in redefining national identity.
Historical Context and Public Reaction
The three ships of Columbus, the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña, have been a prominent feature of the coat of arms, representing Columbus’ arrival in Trinidad in 1498. However, this imagery has been increasingly viewed as a reminder of colonial oppression and the beginning of European domination in the Caribbean.
The decision to replace these ships with the steelpan, an instrument invented in Trinidad and Tobago and recognized as a symbol of cultural resilience and creativity, has sparked a variety of reactions. Some citizens and cultural activists have welcomed the change as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Others, however, have expressed concern over altering a historical emblem that has been part of the national identity for decades.
Christopher Columbus: A Controversial Figure
Christopher Columbus remains a contentious figure in history. While credited with the “discovery” of the Americas, his expeditions led to the colonization and exploitation of indigenous peoples. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reassess his legacy, with many advocating for the removal of monuments and symbols that glorify his achievements without acknowledging the darker aspects of his impact.
Next Steps and Broader Implications
The legislative process to implement this change is expected to be completed before Republic Day on September 24, with a six-month transition period for updating official materials. This move is part of a broader constitutional reform effort led by the government, which also includes discussions about the country’s judicial ties to the British Privy Council.
As Trinidad and Tobago moves forward with these changes, the nation stands at a crossroads, balancing the preservation of historical symbols with the need to reflect a more inclusive and representative national identity. The replacement of Columbus’ ships with the steelpan on the coat of arms is a powerful statement of cultural pride and a step towards reclaiming the narrative of the country’s history.
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