The New Design of the Coat of Arms, Which Replaces Columbus’ Three Ships With a Steel Pan, Has Been Finalized

On January 13, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the National Emblems (Amendment) Bill, 2025, replacing Christopher Columbus’ ships on Trinidad and Tobago’s Coat of Arms with the national instrument- the Steelpan. During his contributions to the debate on January 13th, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley emphasized the importance of symbolism, noting the Steelpan’s place as a national treasure and rejecting colonial narratives. The new design features the steel pan, in metallic gold at the centre of the coat of arms, with its pan sticks. The current Coat of Arms remains valid until January 1, 2026, or later if extended. The Bill now heads to the Senate for approval before becoming law.