TRINIDAD AND Tobago plans to remove Christopher Columbus’s ships from its coat of arms and replace them with the national instrument, the steelpan.

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley, announced this at a special meeting of the People’s National Movement at the weekend.

The Prime Minister explained that the three Columbus ships in the island state’s emblem had “a significant influence on our self-image” and that it was now time for a change.

“Do you see the three ships of Columbus in the coat of arms? They will disappear,” said Rowley. “As we have enough votes in Parliament to do that, I could now announce that once the law is changed – and that change should be made before September 24th – within a period of six months we will replace the three ships of Columbus, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Niña, with the Steelpan,” said Mr Rowley as the audience clapped and cheered.

“Colonial Remains”

“For logistical reasons, this will take place over a six-month period, so that we can use up the existing stationery and other things and replace them with our new intent. This should signal that we are on the way to removing the colonial remnants from our constitution. I hope that we start with that and by the end of it we will be standing up and no longer being squatters on the steps of the Privy Council,” he added.

Roots

In August it was announced that the steelpan is now officially recognized as the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

The steelpan is generally regarded as the national instrument of the island state, but the musical instrument was only officially awarded the title of “national instrument” between July 3 and 4 of this year.

The roots of the steelpan go back to Trinidad and Tobago. It was invented in the hills of Laventille in Port of Spain in the 1930s and 1940s.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts said the new bill marks a significant milestone for the steelpan movement.

In a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on July 24, 2023, it was announced that August 11 would be declared World Steelpan Day annually.

The steelpan is the only new instrument that emerged in the 20th century.^th Century.