Replacement found for Trinity Cross

The first time the public heard of the new award and saw its design was on Sunday when Government placed an advertisement in the Sunday edition of the country’s three dailies outlining certain striking characteristics of the new National Award.

According to this ad, the award will be a circular medallion with a crest, represented by the feathered headdress of an Amerindian chief. The main body of the medallion is the steelband with a disc at the centre in which the Scarlet Ibis and the Mot Mot are perched on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

On the reverse, the medallion bears the words “Order of the Republic”. Earlier this year, Government took a decision to abolish the Trinity Cross as this country’s highest award after it was deemed as an offensive symbol to non-Christians.

A Committee was established to examine the issue and the Committee submitted its report to Cabinet. All comments on the new name and design are to be submitted to Sandra Marchack, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and Secretary of the National Symbols and Observances Committee.

Some years ago, a very high-ranking member of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) this country’s largest recognised Hindu organisation refused to accept the Trinity Cross which was awarded to him, on the ground that the cross (a Christian symbol) was not appropriate for him to accept. This stirred much controversy and debate with Catholics and non-Catholics divided over the appropriateness of the Trinity Cross being used as this country’s highest National Award.

In the end, Government realised the sensitive nature of the Cross and announced that it would be changing the award.