The Ministry of Nationa Security has launched a full investigation into lifestyle brand designer and owner India Hicks and her apparent misuse of the Bahamian Coat of Arms to promote her brand.
The announcement came Tuesday from National Press Secretary Anthony Newbold during his recent press briefing.
Back in June, Hicks posted to her Facebook account, her logic behind using the country’s crest.
“Every year, we try to think up a meaningful theme for our great get together, which is when many of us ‘tribesters’ gather for a weekend of training and support,” she wrote.
“This year, we are borrowing from the Bahamian crest: Foreward, Upward, Onward, Together – we particularly like the word “together.”
Her modified design, however, appeared to deface the country’s emblem by substituting the ship sailing beneath the sun with Roman numerals while using the rest of the crest verbatim.
“The matter has been brought to the government’s attention and underscored the protocols and procedures which must be followed before state symbols are used,” said National Security Minister Marvin Dames, who spoke amid public unrest on the matter.
“While acknowledging people often want to highlight their connection to The Bahamas in designs, there are still protocols and procedures which persons ought to take note of and adhere to.
Attorney General Carl Bethel confirmed, however, that any person who breaches the law in this regard is liable to a fine of $250 or jail for three months or both.
In some cases, a person can be fined up to $500 or a longer prison sentence.
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