The government will use its majority in the Parliament to remove Chirstopher Columbus’ three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña, on the Coat of Arms, replacing it with the steelpan.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley at the PNM’s special convention last evening. The move will be finalized before Republic Day (September 24th), with a transition period of six months to facilitate changes to official materials.  

The move, according to Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, marks an effort to distance ourselves from remnants of our colonial past.

The Prime Minister added, he hopes that effort will eventually see us, quote, no longer being squatters on the steps of the Privy Council.