Coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The Coat of Arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines represents the sovereign state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the Caribbean. It was officially adopted on 21 October 1979, following the country's independence from the United Kingdom. The coat of arms embodies national pride, heritage, and the natural beauty of the islands, as well as the enduring strength and unity of its people.

Description

The coat of arms features a shield at its center, which is divided into two main parts. The top half shows a pair of green laurel leaves against a gold background, symbolizing peace and victory. The bottom half of the shield displays two diamonds on a blue background, representing the islands themselves in the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. These diamonds are also reminiscent of the islands' nickname, "the Gems of the Antilles."

Above the shield, a helmet with a wreath is depicted, surmounted by a cotton plant, which signifies the agricultural history and importance of cotton to the islands' economy in the past. Supporting the shield on either side are two parrots, specifically the St. Vincent Parrot (Amazona guildingii), the national bird of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These parrots are depicted holding a scroll with the national motto, "Pax et Justitia" (Latin for "Peace and Justice"), which underscores the country's aspirations for peace, justice, and governance.

Symbolism

Each element of the coat of arms carries deep symbolic meaning:

• The laurel leaves symbolize peace and victory, reflecting the nation's aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.
• The diamonds represent the islands themselves, highlighting their natural beauty and significance as "gems" in the Caribbean.
• The cotton plant acknowledges the historical significance of cotton cultivation in the economic development of the islands.
• The St. Vincent Parrot emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and the unique natural heritage of the islands.
• The motto, "Pax et Justitia," articulates the foundational values of peace and justice that guide the nation's ethos.

Usage

The coat of arms is used in official government documents and publications. It appears on the passports of citizens, official government letterheads, and other state symbols. It is a source of pride and a reminder of the nation's identity, history, and values.

See also

• Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• National symbols of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Caribbean heraldry