The government has announced an extension allowing continued use of the former Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago until January 2nd, 2031.
The extension is contained in Legal Notice No. 468, published on Monday as part of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago Regulation Amendment Extension of Time for Use of Former Coat of Arms Order, 2025.
The Coat of Arms was modified in 2025 to replace the three ships of Christopher Columbus with an image of the steelpan, the national instrument.
The new order was issued by the Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, under section 5(2) of the Act.
That legislation had previously allowed the former coat of arms to be used only until January 1st, 2026, pending the transition to the newly approved national emblem.
According to the Order, the Minister determined that it was “expedient” to make further provision for the continued use of the former coat of arms beyond the original deadline.
The extension provides additional time for government agencies, state bodies, and other authorised entities to complete the transition.
The decision is expected to ease administrative and financial pressures associated with replacing official signage, stationery, publications, and other materials bearing the former coat of arms.