In a significant step towards redefining its national identity, Trinidad and Tobago is set to remove the three ships of Christopher Columbus from its coat of arms and replace them with the steelpan, the national musical instrument. This bold move, announced by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, reflects the twin-island nation's commitment to distancing itself from its colonial past and embracing symbols that resonate more deeply with its cultural heritage.
A New Vision for Trinidad and Tobago’s Emblem
During a recent convention of the People’s National Movement, Prime Minister Rowley declared that the time has come to replace the symbols of colonial conquest with those that represent the true spirit of Trinidad and Tobago. “You see them three Columbus ships in the emblem? They will go,” Rowley stated, signaling a departure from the vestiges of European colonization that have long been embedded in the nation’s official insignia.
The three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña, have been prominent on the coat of arms since Trinidad and Tobago's independence in 1962. However, Rowley emphasized that their removal is “substantial in how we see ourselves” as a nation. The ships will be replaced by the steelpan, a symbol that is uniquely Trinidadian, embodying the resilience, creativity, and cultural pride of the people.
The Steelpan: A Symbol of National Pride
The steelpan, often hailed as the only new musical instrument invented in the 20th century, has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the social and cultural evolution of Trinidad and Tobago. Invented in the 1930s and 1940s in the hills of Laventille, Port of Spain, the steelpan was born out of the ingenuity of marginalized communities who transformed discarded oil drums into a world-renowned instrument. Its melodies have since become synonymous with the sounds of the Caribbean and a symbol of national identity.
In August 2023, the steelpan was officially recognized by law as the National Musical Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural heritage. The decision to feature the steelpan on the coat of arms is a continuation of this recognition, further embedding the instrument into the national consciousness.
A Broader Movement Toward Decolonization
The replacement of Columbus' ships with the steelpan is part of a larger initiative by the Trinidad and Tobago government to remove colonial symbols from its national framework. Prime Minister Rowley has been vocal about the need to rid the country of these remnants, which he described as “colonial vestiges” in the nation’s constitution. The transition to a new coat of arms is expected to take place over six months, allowing for the gradual phase-out of the current emblem from official stationery and other government materials.
This move is also aligned with a growing trend across the Caribbean, where nations are increasingly challenging their colonial histories and seeking to reclaim their indigenous and African identities. The push to remove the ships from the coat of arms comes amid broader discussions about the role of the British Privy Council as the highest court of appeal for Trinidad and Tobago. Rowley has expressed a desire to replace this colonial-era institution with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), furthering the country’s journey toward full sovereignty.
The Legacy of Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean
Christopher Columbus, who arrived in Trinidad in 1498 and named the island "La Trinidad," has long been a contentious figure in the Caribbean. Once celebrated as a great explorer, Columbus has been increasingly reassessed as a symbol of European oppression and the brutal colonization of the Americas. His arrival marked the beginning of a period of exploitation, slavery, and the near-eradication of indigenous peoples in the region.
The decision to remove his ships from the coat of arms is part of a broader global reckoning with colonial history. Across the world, statues and symbols of colonial figures are being taken down, and there is growing momentum for reparations and the return of cultural artifacts to former colonies. In the Caribbean, organizations like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for reparations from former colonial powers for the atrocities committed during the colonial era.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Trinidad and Tobago
As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to unveil its new coat of arms, featuring the steelpan, the nation is taking a definitive step toward reclaiming its identity and shedding the symbols of its colonial past. This move not only honors the ingenuity and cultural contributions of its people but also serves as a powerful statement of independence and self-determination.
The transition to the new emblem is expected to be completed by 2024, coinciding with the 62nd anniversary of the nation’s independence. As Trinidad and Tobago looks to the future, the steelpan will serve as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that defines the nation—a fitting symbol for a country that continues to forge its own path in the post-colonial world.