By Prior Beharry
LOCAL designer and jeweller Gillian Bishop has been commissioned to draft a new design for the country’s Coat of Arms.
This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at a post-Cabinet briefing held at Whitehall, Port of Spain on Wednesday.
Bishop, the owner the Signature Collection brand, brings extensive experience to the project, having worked as a jeweller and craftsman since 1972.
While details regarding the cost and timeline for the new design remain undisclosed, Dr Rowley assured that the redesign would not incur exorbitant expenses. He said there will be a cost-effective approach, suggesting that new stationery featuring the updated emblem would be gradually introduced as current supplies are depleted.
Asked by AZP News if incorporating the steelpan into the Coat of Arms could be an option, he said, “There are not too many prominent places on the emblem. There is a certain amount of balance and artistic taste that has to come.”
He also welcomed public contributions, mentioning a committee dedicated to evaluating submissions related to national symbols.
Dr Rowley said, “There is a committee that is working on this whole question of signage, statues and monuments.
“That work is continuing to completion, and I don’t know how many people have cooperated with them to make submissions to them, but the door is open to that.”
He dismissed concerns about the financial implications of the redesign, assuring that it would not lead to unnecessary expenditures.
Dr Rowley said that changing the Coat of Arms requires legislative approval, with necessary adjustments planned before bringing the matter to Parliament.
The process is expected to take around six months, with Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, drafting the necessary changes to be made to the law.
