Trinidad and Tobago Removes Colonial Symbols

Trinidad and Tobago is actively addressing its colonial past through public discussions about the removal of statues and symbols associated with colonialism. The government announced plans to redraw the national coat of arms, replacing Christopher Columbus’ ships with the steelpan, a symbol of the country's Afro-Caribbean heritage. Public sentiment largely favors the removal of colonial statues, with suggestions ranging from relocating them to museums to creating a 'square of the infamous' for public critique. At a recent meeting, diverse voices from the community expressed the need to move beyond colonial legacies, echoing broader global movements against such symbols. Prime Minister Keith Rowley emphasized this effort as part of a larger commitment to dismantle colonial vestiges within the nation's constitution. However, the transition may take years, and opinions on the national identity and representation remain divided among the population.