Mayor of Port-of-Spain, Chinua Alleyne, has announced the emblem of the capital city will now also feature the steelpan.
He made the announcement at the Pan and Powder Parade on Wednesday. It comes on the heels of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley's announcement at a PNM National Convention on August 11 that Christopher Columbus' three ships on the Coat of Arms will be replaced by the steelpan before Republic Day.
In a surprising announcement, he said the steelpan will now be featured on the city’s emblem. Presently, the emblem of the city features a lighthouse, ship and whale. It is unclear what the redesigned logo with the steelpan added will look like. Attempts to contact the mayor for clarification were unsuccessful.
Pan Trinbago hailed the decision, saying, "This historic decision highlights the Steelpan’s deep-rooted connection to Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage. The inclusion of the Steelpan on the city’s emblem not only honours the instrument's rich history but also celebrates its role as a symbol of national pride and unity."
Meanwhile, speaking about The Pan and Powder Parade, Pan Trinbago says it was a showcase of excitement, joy, and community spirit. It added that the announcement by Alleyne adds a profound layer of significance to the festivities, representing a major victory for the Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan movement. "This development underscores the enduring impact of the Steelpan and its place as an integral part of our national identity," the statement said.