Leave coat of arms alone

THE EDITOR: As social media buzzes with the opinions of many on the removal of Christopher Columbus's three ships from the coat of arms, I remain quite concerned about the history of Trinidadians/Tobagonians for two significant reasons.

Firstly, is this a tactic to distract us from the pressing crime situation plaguing our nation?

Secondly, why is the erasing of our colonial history a priority when our national anthem clearly states, “Here every creed and race finds an equal place?”

Furthermore, in the midst of Tobago recording its highest crime rate in history, is the changing of the coat of arms design really a priority?

This will result in all official government documents, signs, currency, educational books and uniforms having to be changed in a short period of time. Where are we getting money to do this? Are we not in a balance of payment deficit, according to our last fiscal budget?

In 2019 it cost taxpayers $98.46 million for the demonetisation of the cotton bills. That figure was broken down as follows:

* Cost of new notes issued – $78.77 million

* Cost of new coins issued – $6.37 million

* Other printing and minting expenses – $4.99 million

* Write-off of cotton $100 notes – $8.31 million

Were the issues associated with the cotton bills even addressed? The polymer note is still being counterfeited and circulated. As a nation we are tired of these gimmicks and distractions. I am calling on the Government to address the crime situation and make our country a safer space.

This agenda to remove all parts of colonialism from our history and culture is nonsensical. Our history did not start in 1962, it started way before 1498 when Columbus reached our shores.

Each aspect of our history from the natives to the Spanish, British, African slave trade and East Indian indentureship had and continues to have its place in shaping our culture as a people. Erasing elements of our history is an injustice to the next generation of Trinidadians/Tobagonians.

Don’t misunderstand me, I am not glorifying Columbus but if it was not for his rediscovery none of us would be here on these beautiful little islands in the sun. We will never give up the Caribbean to go to Africa or India to live.

We need to stop this nonsense now. Our coat of arms is beautiful as it stands. Leave it alone and focus on crime, please.

DARIUS E JAIMUNGAL

San Fernando