The island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is about to make a historical change: redrawing its coat of arms to remove Christopher Columbus’ three ships—La Niña, La Pinta, and La Santa María. For over half a century, these symbols of European conquest and colonization have adorned the official emblem of the nation, a potent reminder of a painful history. But now, the nation is poised to replace these symbols with ones that reflect its true heritage, culture, and identity. Trinidad’s decision is bold, necessary, and timely—and it should inspire other Caribbean nations to follow suit.
PM Rowley has announced the change appropriately to the steelpan, an instrument founded in Trinidad and Tobago, it is the most recently created musical instrument and was developed by local Trinidadians.
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For years, the image of Columbus has been controversial, particularly in post-colonial societies. Though history books have long hailed him as the man who “discovered” the New World, many modern historians and activists point out that his arrival marked the beginning of a dark chapter for the indigenous peoples of the Americas. His expeditions paved the way for the transatlantic slave trade, the exploitation of native populations, and the destruction of indigenous cultures across the Caribbean and the Americas.
In the context of Trinidad and Tobago, Columbus’ ships are not just symbols of exploration—they are emblems of conquest. When Columbus arrived in the Caribbean, he was not merely a navigator; he was an agent of European expansion, responsible for initiating centuries of subjugation and cultural erasure. The inclusion of his ships on the coat of arms symbolizes the historical domination of European powers over the region, relegating the native and African influences that truly shaped Caribbean societies to the margins.
Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to remove the ships is a powerful statement of rejecting that legacy and reclaiming its narrative. The new coat of arms will reportedly feature symbols of indigenous heritage, African ancestry, and the cultural diversity that defines the nation today. Such a move is not only about rectifying historical inaccuracies but also about forging a future where national symbols reflect the people they represent.
Symbols matter. They define how we see ourselves and how we present ourselves to the world. Trinidad’s move to reimagine its coat of arms is an acknowledgment that symbols from the colonial era no longer serve a modern nation’s identity. The country is asserting its right to define itself, independent of the narratives imposed by colonial powers.
The debate surrounding national symbols is not unique to Trinidad. Across the Caribbean, nations grapple with the legacies of colonialism, where symbols of European dominion—statues of imperial leaders, colonial-era flags, and coats of arms featuring European motifs—are still prominent. However, as these nations continue to build their post-colonial identities, they are beginning to realize that these symbols are not reflective of who they are today. They are relics of a painful past that many are eager to move beyond.
In Jamaica, for instance, the national flag—designed in 1962—is free of colonial imagery, focusing instead on the values of the people: “the sun shineth, the land is green, and the people are strong and creative.” Barbados recently removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, transitioning to a republic as a sign of sovereignty. Both nations are examples of how Caribbean countries are increasingly asserting their independence from the legacies of colonialism.
Trinidad’s decision to replace Columbus’ ships on its coat of arms is a continuation of this trend. The new symbols—yet to be unveiled—are expected to embrace the rich tapestry of the nation’s indigenous and African heritage. By highlighting the true roots of its people, Trinidad will not only be creating a more accurate representation of itself but will also be contributing to a broader movement of decolonization across the region.
Trinidad’s move to alter its coat of arms could be seen as a call to action for other Caribbean nations to reflect on their own national symbols. While many have already taken steps to distance themselves from colonial legacies, some still cling to outdated imagery that glorifies European conquest.
Consider the Bahamas, whose coat of arms prominently features Columbus’ ship, the Santa María, a direct reference to the explorer’s landing on the Bahamian island of San Salvador. Though celebrated as a historical milestone in European history, for the indigenous Lucayan people, it marked the beginning of the end. The Bahamian coat of arms, like Trinidad’s current emblem, is a symbol of conquest rather than celebration of the nation’s diverse heritage.
Similarly, the coat of arms of St. Kitts and Nevis features European symbols, including a fleur-de-lis and a red cross, both of which are associated with colonial rule. By continuing to display these emblems, Caribbean nations risk perpetuating the narratives of colonialism, rather than celebrating their own resilience, survival, and achievements.
The call to decolonize national symbols is not about erasing history but about contextualizing it. Caribbean nations are not merely the product of European discovery—they are the result of the resistance, survival, and cultural blending of indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans, and immigrants from Asia and the Middle East. National symbols should reflect this truth.
Trinidad’s decision is an invitation to reexamine what it means to be a Caribbean nation in the 21st century. The region’s history is marked by resilience, diversity, and creativity in the face of immense adversity. By replacing colonial imagery with symbols of their true heritage, Trinidadians are reclaiming their narrative, and other nations would do well to follow.
The Caribbean has always been a region of vibrant cultures and proud people. Now is the time for the symbols to reflect that reality. National emblems should serve as beacons of identity and pride, not reminders of subjugation. Trinidad’s bold move is a step in the right direction, and it’s one that the rest of the Caribbean should consider making as well.
As Caribbean nations continue to assert their identities on the global stage, it is vital that their national symbols reflect their true heritage. Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to redraw its coat of arms is an act of reclaiming history and shaping the future. By removing symbols of colonial conquest, the nation is not just altering a piece of heraldry; it is redefining itself. In doing so, it sets an example for the rest of the Caribbean—a region rich in culture, strength, and history—to do the same.
