Our Coat of Arms

We are getting to Independence Day 2026 and the end of World Steelpan Month, during which there was celebration of UN World Steelpan Day.

These two key occasions meet us with inconsistent implementation of a 2024 decision to replace the three ships, at the base of our national Coat of Arms, with the steelpan.

Indeed, there have been claims of wilful sloth even as a 2031 extension was imposed at the end of last year – five years later to presumably cater for cost, logistical and perhaps emotional issues. The initial target date for implementation was January 1, 2026.

High profile official events are meanwhile being hosted with prominently displayed versions of the old design, and not all ministries and state agencies appear sufficiently impressed to make the transition a priority on all forms of public displays and communication.

Yes, changes in signage, stationery, uniforms, backdrops for special occasions, and other displays cost money, are a bother, and can take time. But governments routinely manage significant administrative and visual changes when political priorities change

Between April 2025 and now there have been quite efficient and seamless changes in reinventing recalibrated ministries and associated agencies. The same urgency has clearly not been applied to the Coat of Arms.

Use of the Coat of Arms remains protected under the National Identity Guidelines – as mandated by the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) Act (Chap. 19:04), amended in 2025 to include the steelpan.

As of now, with Independence celebrations afoot, there are displays of national emblems throughout the country. I find I have become pretty fussy about these things lately. I shudder at times when some occasions are considered to be appropriate for flying of our flag.

For instance, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) is a commercial cricketing franchise and does not fit the profile for “national” recognition. Supporters of one competing team, which included T&T nationals, once considered it appropriate to stomp on our flag to signify opposition to a TKR team comprising mixed nationalities.

Last week at a big event in another Caricom state, I made my displeasure felt over the improper display of my national flag (upside down). The issue was promptly addressed.

Now, when we do this to ourselves, it is even more disheartening, if not maddening. True, there is cost and inconvenience involved, but if there is a big signing ceremony involving the future well-being of our country why is the added cost of a new backdrop a problem? Or borrowing one from an agency with one? Do the event checklists of the various state agencies include this?

If there is a not-so-subtle message being delivered in all this, then say so! I am proud of where the steelpan has taken T&T. Additionally, to the extent that the new Coat of Arms is being deployed at a wide variety of state events (though not all) I have not detected the emergence of “ethnic rivalries, societal strife, and hate” over this.

I have looked for sadness or feelings of alienation over the course of this month’s pan celebrations. Where is the “societal strife”? Where are the predicted tensions?

Try to find a single instance when the steelpan has produced such an impact. On the contrary, it remains one of the most powerful sources of well-being and good in our society.

This space has been used time and again to make the point that the steelpan, and all that comes with it, remains the greatest thing we do – in all its facets as a musical instrument, a model for social organisation through well-managed steelbands, and an undervalued economic resource.

Whatever the clumsy management of its conceptualisation in 2024 and initial introduction as a key element of our Coat of Arms, its place on our state seal cannot be seriously challenged. In any event, the arguments over this have long ended.

Few things are as widely accepted as a part of our national identity. As I reminded people last week, there is unlikely to be another musical instrument played by more people (especially at such a high level of competence) per capita in any other country in the world. The case for its deployment as a sustainable, renewable resource is also now established beyond question.

So, what’s the problem? We have shown in recent weeks that when governments believe they need to do something – however questionable in value … and even harmful – they can get up and get it done.