Trinidad and Tobago will replace Christopher Columbus’ three ships on its coat of arms for its traditional metal drums used for calypso and in the archipelago’s carnival, one of the most famous in the world.
“We are going to replace Columbus’ three ships, the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, with the ‘steelpan,'” a reference to the local name for the ship, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced Sunday at a special constitutional convention of his political party in Port of Spain.
The coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago has remained unchanged since the country gained independence from Britain in 1962. The ships are depicted beneath two golden hummingbirds above a representation of the islands and the motto “Together we aspire, together we achieve.”
Columbus discovered Trinidad, which he named after himself, on his third voyage. “The three golden ships represent the Trinity: the discovery of the islands and Columbus’ three ships; the sea that united our people; and the trade and wealth of our country,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs details on its website.
“For logistical purposes, that will take place over a six-month period, which will allow us to consume the stationery and other things we have in place and have them replaced by our new intention,” Rowley added.
Invented in Trinidad and Tobago, the steelpan, also known as the steeldrum, has spread throughout the Caribbean. The Trinidad and Tobago carnival, held before Ash Wednesday, attracts thousands of tourists every year thanks to the famous steelbands and their music (calypso and soca), the parties and the colourful parades.
Since 2022, a committee has been tasked with reviewing the teaching of history in the country, and in particular its symbols.
Former Attorney General Garvin Nicholas said the replacement could cost “hundreds of millions of dollars” as it would involve changing the coat of arms on all government buildings and official stationery.
“It’s not just a matter of standing on a platform and saying it,” he said.
Source: Ambito
