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The National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which allows for the replacement of illustrations representing ships led by explorer Christopher Columbus, with the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, the Steelpan, was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives on Monday January 13, 2025.
The Coat of Arms of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will now feature the treasured image of a gold Steelpan and its iconic pan sticks.
During the piloting of the Bill, Senator the Honorable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, gave some insight into the Bill saying that, “The Bill seeks to bring into force Government’s position and intention to modify our country’s coat of arms established in 1962 by replacing the representation of Columbus’ ships with our national treasure, our very own national instrument, the Steelpan.” Minister Mitchell continued by sharing that, “Government’s proposal was made in direct response to the loud and decade’s long clarion calls of our citizens clamoring for the removal of painful colonial vestiges of our past.”
Dr. the Honorable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, during his contribution in Parliament highlighted that, “Symbolism matters. It’s not a question of either or; we can have it all. We can have symbols, we can have jobs, we can have food, but at the end of the day, symbolism matters.”
“...and seeing today in this Parliament, that Parliament has taken the step to remove the misrepresentation of Columbus’ ships on our national coat of arms and replace it with the Steelpan, would know that pan has reached the highest heights in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The Prime Minister continued saying that “...but the symbol says that we don’t accept what you think of us and if when we came here we picked up the pan that used to carry oil and hit it in a way that we discovered that we could make music and we now make the magic that comes out of the Steelband, then we should be proud to say that we claim that on our coat of arms and not the misrepresentation of (Columbus’ ships)”
The former Coat of Arms of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago may be used until January 1, 2026, or such later date as the Minister may prescribe by Order.
The Bill will now proceed to be read and debated in the Upper House (Senate). Once passed in the Upper House, it will then proceed to be proclaimed by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago after which it will become Law.
Trinidad and Tobago Government Communications
Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in China opened for business:
The Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the People’s Republic of China, Beijing was officially declared open on Wednesday 26 February, 2014, by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar opened the T&T Embassy in Beijing at noon time in Beijing.
Trinidad and Tobago's Ambassador to China, Mr. Chandradath Singh, had earlier said that setting up a Mission in that country "is long overdue" and that trade would be a priority item. The Ambassador stated that Trinidad and Tobago would move to redress the trade imbalance, which is weighed heavily in China's favour at this time.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 01, 2012
Presidential Proclamation -- National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2012
NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Individuals and families from Caribbean countries have journeyed to America's shores for centuries. Some were brought here against their will in the bonds of slavery. Some immigrated to America as children, clutching a parent's hand. Others came as adults, leaving behind everything they knew in pursuit of a better life in a new world. Generations of Caribbean Americans have sought to ensure their children and grandchildren would have the freedom to make of their lives what they will, and during National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate their rich narratives and recognize their immeasurable contributions to our country.
Caribbean Americans have shaped every aspect of our society -- enhancing our arts and humanities as titans of music and literature, spurring our economy as intrepid entrepreneurs, making new discoveries as scientists and engineers, serving as staunch advocates for social and political change, and defending our ideals at home and abroad as leaders in our military. Their achievements exemplify the tenacity and perseverance embedded in our national character, and their stories embody the fundamental American idea that when access to opportunity is equal, anyone can make it if they try.
As we reflect on the myriad ways Caribbean Americans have shaped our country, we join in commemorating the 50th anniversaries of independence in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and we reaffirm the bonds of friendship we share with our Caribbean neighbors. This month, let us celebrate the essence of the Nation we all love -- an America where so many of our ancestors have come from somewhere else; a society that has been enriched by cultures from around the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2012 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
http://m.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/01/presidential-proclamation-national-caribbean-american-heritage-month-2012
Trinidad Tribute To Japan (added May 2, 2011)
Tears flow as stricken Mighty Sparrow sings
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad--The audience at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain was shocked on Saturday night, as they watched the Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow sit throughout his entire performance during NAPA Fest.
Slinger Francisco, brought on stage in a wheelchair, was placed on a chair in the centre of the stage before the stage lights went on. The sight of the once-powerful performer, now just a shadow of himself, brought tears to the eyes of many. The effect was so disturbing that some patrons left the building.
Sparrow, 75, who lives in New York, is suffering from diabetes, which continues to take a toll on his body. However, on Saturday night it was clear Sparrow's voice is still strong.
With beautiful music coming from the Police Service brass band under the baton of Enrique Moore, Sparrow started off with "Education". He performed well and while the audience was taken aback by his appearance, they still requested songs from his extensive repertoire. "Saltfish" was next and this is when the situation was driven home - fans began to talk about actually seeing Sparrow singing "Saltfish" sitting in a chair.Sparrow then told the audience, "There are a lot of things we have to deal with in life, look at this."
As he did so, he opened his arms to show the audience his immobile position. By then, he appeared to be getting tired, but Sparrow refused to give up, moving on to "Mae Mae". Several patrons felt he had done enough and should have left the stage. Sparrow then called on the band to play "Jean and Dinah".
It was, however, during this song that MC Alvin Daniell realised that the calypsonian had reached the end of his tether. The lights were dimmed and the wheelchair crew came on stage to gently push Sparrow off but not before the audience, unprompted, rose to give their king a standing ovation.
In contrast, 70-year-old Calypso Queen of the World, Calypso Rose, showed she is still going strong with a rollicking, dancing performance. She told the audience she had survived two cancer surgeries and continued to thank God for her survival. One of the songs she sang was her crown-winning "I Thank Thee'', in which she praised the people and places responsible for her success. One of them was Sparrow, whom she considers her mentor and with whom she has performed in many parts of the world.