• The Amerindian Headdress symbolizes the Amerindians who are the indigenous people of Guyana, i.e., the first people to live in the country.
• The Helmet is a monarchical insignia that indicates that Guyana was once a Monarchial country ruled by a King or Queen.
• The Two Diamonds at the side of the Amerindian Headdress symbolize the country’s mineral wealth.
• The Jaguar holding the pickaxe symbolizes labour.
• The Jaguar holding the stalk of Rice and Sugarcane symbolizes our two main agricultural crops, sugar and rice.
• The Shield signifies protection for the nation.
• The Three Blue Wavy Lines on the shield represents the many rivers of Guyana (Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice).
• The Victoria Regia Lily on the shield is the National Flower, which was discovered by Robert Schomburgh, a German Botanist discovered in 1837.
• The Canje Pheasant or Hoatzin at the bottom of the shield is the National Bird. It is rare bird which is found mainly in this part of the world.
• The banner to the bottom of the coat of arms with the words One People, One Nation, One Destiny is the National Motto.

The Coat of Arms was selected on the recommendations of the National History and Arts Council and approved by the College of Arms, England. The House of the Assembly accepted it on Friday 25th February, 1966.