The Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago was designed by a committee formed in 1962 to select the symbols that would be representative of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
The committee included noted artist Carlyle Chang and designer the late George Bailey.
The Coat of Arms with the accompanying motifs which represent indigenous features of Trinidad and Tobago were selected and formally agreed to be used as the Coat of Arms of Trinidad 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, the Cocrico (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's early 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 of British 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 national achievement.
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 on the sinister side a Cocrico, both proper and with wings elevated and addorsed.
27/02/2008
Coat of Arms explained
National Flag - meaning
The 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 and its 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 Black represents 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.
The colours 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.
