The rarely used President’s Coat of Arms appears at 2016 Investiture

Oct 07, 2016 News

It is not every day that persons are allowed to see their national symbols in use at State

(Above): The National Coat of Arms
(Below): The President’s Coat of Arms used yesterday.

events. However, at last evening’s Investiture Ceremony, the use of the President’s Coat of Arms may have missed the unsuspecting eyes.
The President’s Coat of Arms carries with it a few different features, particularly relating to the headdress. The headdress is decorated differently; however the diamonds still remain at its sides. The helmet, which is the monarchial insignia, is not included.
The National Coat of Arms however, contains at the peak an Amerindian headdress known as the Cacique’s Crown which signifies the indigenous people of Guyana. The two diamonds at the side of the crown symbolise the mining sector. There is then a helmet which is a monarchical insignia. The two jaguars are supporters holding a pick axe, rice and sugar cane stalk; these symbolise Guyana’s mining, sugar and rice industries.
The shield is decorated with the Victoria Amazonica (Victoria Regia Lily). Also on the shield are three wavy lines which represent the three main rivers of the country – Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo.
Below the lines is the Canje Pheasant which is the Nation’s National bird. The scroll under the shield features the National motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
Based on recommendations, the Coat of Arms was selected by the National History and Arts Council and later approved by the College of Arms, England. On February 25, 1966 the design was accepted by the House of Assembly in Guyana.