Coat of arms of Guyana

Coat of Arms of Guyana is the national heraldic symbol of Guyana. It was officially adopted on 25 February 1966, the day Guyana achieved independence from the United Kingdom. The coat of arms represents the cultural heritage and natural resources of this South American nation.

Design and Symbolism

The design of the Coat of Arms of Guyana includes several elements that symbolize the country's agriculture, wildlife, and mineral wealth. At the center, a shield decorated with the national colors of green, white, yellow, black, and red is displayed. Each color has its own meaning: green represents agriculture and forests, white symbolizes the rivers and water, yellow denotes the mineral wealth, black indicates endurance, and red stands for zeal and dynamism.

On the shield, there are three blue wavy lines representing the many rivers of Guyana and a gold helmet above it. The crest features a Victoria amazonica (the giant water lily), which is a national symbol and native to Guyana. Supporting the shield are two animals: on the left, a jaguar holding a pickaxe to represent the mining industry, and on the right, another jaguar holding a sugar cane stalk, symbolizing the agricultural sector. Below the shield, the national motto, "One People, One Nation, One Destiny," is inscribed on a scroll.

Historical Background

The Coat of Arms of Guyana was designed as part of the preparations for independence. The government sought symbols that would reflect the aspirations and the cultural heritage of the people. The design was created by a committee appointed for this purpose, which included input from local artists and historians to ensure it accurately represented Guyana's identity.

Usage

The Coat of Arms is used by the government of Guyana on official documents, buildings, and at state functions. It is a symbol of authority and represents the sovereignty of the nation. The Coat of Arms also appears on the Guyana dollar, the national currency, and is used by various government agencies and departments as part of their official seal.

Legal Protection

The use of the Coat of Arms of Guyana is regulated by law. Unauthorized use or reproduction for commercial purposes is prohibited to ensure the dignity and respect of the national symbol are maintained.

See Also

• Flag of Guyana
• National Anthem of Guyana
• History of Guyana