Graphic designers are requesting that the government postpone the makeover of the Coat of
Arms (CoA) on national trademarks, money, and papers so that it may be reviewed by experts.
Award-winning graphic designer Marlon Darbeau anticipates difficulties in reproducing the new
design on various surfaces and feels that a cooperative approach would have been preferable.
He stated, “I am sort of disappointed that after three months of this conversation, this is what we
have in front of us.”
Darbeau argued that rather than being completely rebuilt, the CoA was only altered by
swapping out the ships for a steelpan, while keeping the helm and mantle intact. He underlined
that the additional feature is inconsistent with Carlyle Chang’s original art style. The positioning
of the steelpan was questioned by senior graphic designer Kamron Julien, who stated, “It does
not seem like there was any professional touch of any sort.” The colors are off. The art style is
off.” The artwork is not in keeping with the style. He added that the steel pan looks out of place
because of its color contrast with other items’ yellow tones.
Kevin Solomon, an award-winning graphic designer, compared the design to a badly done
movie with inadequate computer graphics. He maintained that the visual harmony is broken by
the contrast between the slick steelpan and the coarser textures of other components. Solomon
suggested that an abstract depiction of the steelpan could have been preferable, cautioning that
the state might have trouble printing the updated CoA and maintaining design coherence.
Social media was used by several people and organizations to comment on the new CoA. Pan
Trinbago was excited, saying, “For the first time in history, the steelpan takes its place on this
national symbol, representing our culture, creativity, and resilience.” Other comments, however,
were more critical, with some raising concerns about the cost of redesigning state documents,
currency, buildings, and vehicles, while others suggested additional changes.
One person commented, “They could have at least stayed consistent with the original art style.
If you’re going to create something that represents the country, please take the time to do it
properly.”
One critic said that T&T’s past could not be altered, while another contended that the steelpan
was not symmetrically aligned with the rest of the CoA.
