Trinidad and Tobago Extends Use of Former Coat of Arms Until 2031 Amidst Opposition Outcry

Government Extends Former Coat of Arms Usage

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced an extension for the use of the nation's former Coat of Arms, pushing the deadline to January 2, 2031. This decision, formalized through Legal Notice No. 468 and signed by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander on December 18, 2025, has been met with immediate and strong criticism from opposition parties and cultural groups.

Background to the Emblem Change

Earlier in 2025, a new national emblem was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on January 13. This redesigned Coat of Arms was intended to replace the three ships associated with Christopher Columbus with a gold steelpan and pansticks, symbolizing Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument and reflecting a move away from 'painful colonial vestiges of our past'. The initial proposal for this change was first announced by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on August 18, 2024. The National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force in January 2025, originally stipulated that the former Coat of Arms could only be used until January 1, 2026, after which the new design was to take full effect.

Rationale for the Extension

The extension order was made under section 5(2) of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025, which grants the minister the authority to prescribe a later date for the continued use of the national emblem. According to the legal notice, the government deemed it 'expedient' to permit the continued use of the current Coat of Arms beyond the initial deadline. Finance Minister Dave Tancoo reportedly stated that retaining the old Coat of Arms would result in significant cost savings, amounting to millions.

Opposition and Cultural Group Reactions

The decision has ignited sharp criticism, particularly from the People's National Movement (PNM), now in Opposition. Opposition figures Randall Mitchell and Stuart Young publicly questioned the government's move, raising concerns about transparency and the perceived disregard for the steelpan. Mitchell, a former culture minister, demanded justification for the extension and inquired about any associated financial costs. Young criticized the 'UNC government' (United National Congress) for delaying the steelpan's adoption and linked the decision to broader policy actions allegedly impacting Carnival and steelpan bands.

Pan Trinbago, the national steelpan organization, expressed 'deep disappointment' at the deferral, asserting that it 'goes against united national consensus' and undermines the historic amendment. Beverley Ramsey-Moore, President of Pan Trinbago, highlighted that the delay contradicts the unanimous support shown by both sides of the House for the steelpan's inclusion, emphasizing that the steelpan's place on the Coat of Arms is more than symbolic, representing a 'global cultural achievement'.

Previous Implementation Challenges

This extension follows earlier complications in the transition to the new emblem. In June 2025, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago suspended the rollout of its 2025 series $100 polymer banknote. This suspension occurred after the Minister of Finance directed that the production of notes bearing the revised Coat of Arms be halted, indicating previous challenges in the implementation process.