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Coat
of Arms | National Flag
| National Flower | National
Birds | National Anthem |
Pledge National Instrument
THE COAT OF ARMS
 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.
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THE
NATIONAL FLAG
 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.
Other Links:
The history of the flag and other national emblems of Trinidad
and Tobago
Who
really designed the National Flag?
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THE
NATIONAL FLOWER
 The
national flower, the Chaconia, (Warszewiczia Coccinea (Vahl)
Kl.), called "Wild Poinsettia" or "Pride of Trinidad and Tobago" is a
flaming red forest flower of the family Rubianceae. The title is in honour
of the last Spanish Governor of Trinidad and Tobago Don 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 indigenous
flower it has been witness to our entire history. It can therefore be
said to represent the imperishability of life and the continuity of our
Nation. With its colour matching the flaming red of our Flag and Coat
of Arms and bearing the same symbolism, the Chaconia harmonizes with the
other national Emblems.
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NATIONAL
BIRDS
The 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, Central Trinidad. This beautiful bird is brown when
young and its colour changes to red when it is mature.
THE
COCRICO (Rufus Tailed Guan) is a native of Tobago
and Venezuela but is not found in Trinidad. It is the only game bird on
the island and is referred to as the Tobago Pheasant. It is about the
size of a common fowl, brownish in colour with a long tail. They go about
in flocks of about six (6) and their quaint calls can be heard especially
on early morning and late evenings. Both birds are protected by law.
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THE
NATIONAL ANTHEM  Listen
Forged 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 Anthem reflect the nature and the strength of the people
of Trinidad and Tobago our courage as one nation working towards living
in unity despite our diversity. The National Anthem should be accorded
the respect due to it when played, and on no occasion should it be treated
with scant courtesy. When the Anthem is being played all persons should
pay respect to it by standing 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. All other 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
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THE
PLEDGE
By Marjorie Padmore
I
solemnly pledge
To dedicate my life
To the service of my God
And my country.
I will honour
My parents, my teachers,
My leaders and my elders
And those in authority.
I will be Clean and honest
In all my thoughts,
My words and my deeds.
I will strive In everything I do
To work together with my fellowmen
Of every creed and race
For the greater happiness of all
And the honour and glory
Of my country.
Courtesy The Ministry of Public Administration and Information
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THE
NATIONAL INSTRUMENT
The National Instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The steelpan
is a musical instrument indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago whose early
evolution dates back to the 1930'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 by
channel, 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 of melodies to the most complex arrangements
found in orchestration.
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