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Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has announced plans to remove Christopher Columbus’ three ships from Trinidad and Tobago’s national emblem and replace them with the country’s iconic instrument, the steel drum.
The announcement was made at a special congress of the People’s National Movement (PNM) held over the weekend.
Rowley, who is also the political leader of the People’s National Movement party, revealed that the change is expected to be completed before Trinidad’s Republic Day on September 24, leaving a six-month transition period to allow for the updating of stationery and other official materials.
“Do you see the three Columbus ships on the emblem? They will disappear. Because we have enough votes in Parliament, I can now announce that once the legislative adjustments are completed – which should be completed before September 24 – we will replace Columbus’s three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Nina, with steel drums within six months,” said Rowley.
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He added that a gradual transition would ensure that existing stationery and other materials were used up before the new emblem was fully implemented. Rowley said the move was part of a wider effort to remove colonial symbols from the country’s constitution.
He said: “For logistical purposes, this exercise will last for six months to allow us to use up the existing stationery and other things and replace them with our new intentions, which show that we are removing the colonial traces from the Constitution and I hope that we will finally stand up from this point and no longer be illegal occupants on the steps of the Privy Council.”
The proposed changes reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to promote national identity and cultural heritage by shedding colonial symbols and embracing local traditions.
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