7/30/2019 The Coat of Arms

1/3

THE COAT OF ARMSThe Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago was designed by a committee formed in 1962 toselect the symbols that would be representative of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Thecommittee included noted artist Carlyle Chang and designer the late George Bailey.

The Coat of Arms with the accompanying motifs which represent indigenous features ofTrinidad and Tobago were selected and formally agreed to be used as the Coat of Arms ofTrinidad and Tobago in 1962, in a design approved by the College of Arms.

The Birds represented on the Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago are the Scarlet Ibis, theCocrico (native to Tobago) and the Hummingbird. The three ships represent the Trinity as

well as the three ships of Columbus. The three Peaks were principal motifs of Trinidad'searly British Colonial Seals and Flag-Badges. They commemorated both Columbus'decision to name Trinidad after the Blessed Trinity and the three Peaks of the Southern

mountain range, called the "Three Sisters" on the horizon. The fruited Coconut Palm dates back to the great seals ofBritish Colonial Tobago in the days when the Island was a separate administrative unit.

Our Motto: Together we aspire, Together we achieve" - speaks for itself and promotes harmony in diversity for nationalachievement.

Arms: Per chevron enhanced sable and gules a chevrenel enhanced argent between a chief two Hummingbirds respectant

gold and in base three ships of the period of Christopher Columbus also gold the sails set proper.

Crest: Upon a Wreath argent and gules in front of a Palm Tree proper a ship's wheel gold.

Supporters: Upon a Compartment representing two Islands arising from the sea, on the dexter side a Scarlet Ibis and onthe sinister side a Cocrico, both proper and with wings elevated and addorsed.

THE NATIONAL FLAGThe national flag was designed by the Independence Committee and selected to be used as

the National Flag in 1962. Its colours are Red, White and Black.

Red is the colour most expressive of our country. It represents the vitality of the land andits people; it is the warmth and energy of the sun, the courage and friendliness of the

people.White is the sea by which these lands are bound: the cradle of our heritage; the purity of

our aspirations and the equality of all men under the sun.The Blackrepresents for us the dedication of the people joined together by one strong

bond. It is the colour of strength, of unity, of purpose and of the wealth of the land. Thecolours chosen represent the elements Earth, Water and Fire which encompass all our past, present and future and inspire

us as one united, vital, free and dedicated people.

Description of the National Flag of Trinidad and Tobago: On a Red Field, a Bend Dexter Sable bordered Silver,that is to say, there is on the Red Field a diagonal from left to right in Black bordered with White. The width of the Black

and White bands joined side by side at the upper dexter corner of the Flag is on one- fifth of the full length of the Flag, and

the width of each White band is one-sixth of the width of the White and Black bands together.

THE NATIONAL FLOWERThe national flower, the Chaconia, (Warszewiczia Coccinea (Vahl) Kl.), called "WildPoinsettia" or "Pride of Trinidad and Tobago" is a flaming red forest flower of the familyRubianceae. The title is in honour of the last Spanish Governor of Trinidad and TobagoDon Jose Maria Chacon. This flower, which is known by its long sprays of magnificent

vermillion, will be in bloom on every anniversary of our Independence. As an indigenousflower it has been witness to our entire history. It can therefore be said to represent the

7/30/2019 The Coat of Arms

2/3

imperishability of life and the continuity of our Nation. With its colour matching the flaming red of our Flag and Coat ofArms and bearing the same symbolism, the Chaconia harmonizes with the other national Emblems.

NATIONAL BIRDSThe National Birds, which are represented on the Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago, are the Scarlet Ibis, which

represents Trinidad, and the Cocrico, which represents Tobago.

THE SCARLET IBIS (Tantalus Ruber) - is to be found in the Caroni Swamp, CentralTrinidad. This beautiful bird is brown when young and its colour changes to red when it ismature.

THE COCRICO (Rufus Tailed Guan) is a native ofTobago and Venezuela but is not found in Trinidad. It isthe only game bird on the island and is referred to as theTobago Pheasant. It is about the size of a common fowl,

brownish in colour with a long tail. They go about in flocksof about six (6) and their quaint calls can be heard

especially on early morning and late evenings. Both birds are protected by law.

THE NATIONAL ANTHEMForged from the love of liberty,In the fires of hope and prayer,

With boundless faith in our Destiny,We solemnly declare,Side by side we stand,Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea,This our Native Land,

We pledge our lives to Thee,Here every creed and race finds an equal place,

And may God bless our Nation,

Here every creed and race finds an equal place,And may God bless our Nation.

Patrick S. Castagne composed the words and music of the National Anthem in 1962. The words of the National Anthemreflect the nature and the strength of the people of Trinidad and Tobago our courage as one nation working towards livingin unity despite our diversity. The National Anthem should be accorded the respect due to it when played, and on nooccasion should it be treated with scant courtesy. When the Anthem is being played all persons should pay respect to it bystanding to attention. Men in civilian dress should remove their headdress. Commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces,Gazetted Officers of the Police Service, Cadet Force Officers and Officers of the Fire Services, Prisons Service, St John

Ambulance Brigade, Red Cross Society, Boy Scouts Association and Girl Guides Association, in uniform are to salute. Allother ranks and all other persons are to stand to attention.

Prepared by: The Ministry of Public Administration And Information #13-15 St Clair Avenue, Port of Spain, Republic of

Trinidad & Tobago Tel: 622-1131

THE PLEDGEBy Marjorie Padmore

I solemnly pledgeTo dedicate my life

To the service of my GodAnd my country.

I will honour

7/30/2019 The Coat of Arms

3/3

My parents, my teachers,My leaders and my eldersAnd those in authority.

I will be Clean and honestIn all my thoughts,

My words and my deeds.I will strive In everything I do

To work together with my fellowmenOf every creed and race

For the greater happiness of all

And the honour and gloryOf my country.

Courtesy The Ministry of Public Administration and Information

THE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTThe National Instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The steelpan is a musicalinstrument indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago whose early evolution dates back to the1930's and 40's. Traditionally made from a steel drum or container, it is a definite percussion

instrument in the idophone class. The playing surface is divided into convex sections bychannel, groves and / or bores and each convex section is a note tuned to a definite pitch.The range and assortment of today's instruments makes it possible to execute the simplest ofmelodies to the most complex arrangements found in orchestration.