An Act of Desperation: Opposition MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal Calls Coat of Arms Change an Election Gimmick

August 21, 2024 – The removal of Christopher Columbus’s ships from the coat of arms and their replacement with a steelpan is being described as an “act of desperation” by Opposition MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal. Speaking at the UNC’s Pre-Budget Consultations in Chaguanas on Tuesday evening, he accused the PNM-led central government of using it as an election gimmick while other pertinent issues faced by the population are being ignored.

Moonilal’s comments highlight the significant political debate surrounding the proposed change to the national symbol and the opposition’s perspective on the government’s priorities in Trinidad and Tobago.