Tabunshchik proposes the approval of a commemorative coin by the regional council «Unbreakable Mykolaiv Region»

Members of the Mykolaiv Regional Council have backed a change to the Mykolaiv region’s coat of arms. Photo: NikVesti

Following the approval of the new coat of arms and flag of the Mykolaiv region, featuring Saint Nicholas, the regional council is to amend the region’s insignia. In addition, deputies are being asked to approve a commemorative coin, which will be presented to international partners, amongst others.

This was discussed at a meeting of the Mykolaiv Regional Council’s Committee on the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms, Legality and Law and Order, Deputies’ Activities and Ethics, NikVesti reports.

The committee chair, Iryna Pidpala, reminded those present that new symbols — the coat of arms and flag of the Mykolaiv region — had been approved at the previous session. Therefore, changes now need to be made to the regional council’s decisions regarding honours.

In particular, for the «For Services to Mykolaiv Region» award (1st, 2nd and 3rd classes), it is proposed to approve the description and design of the badge and the certificate accompanying the award.

Tetiana Labartkava, Head of the Executive Office of the Regional Council, explained that the region’s new insignia will come into effect on 1 June. All awards previously presented remain valid; only the badge for this award will change.

Councillor Olha Ostapchuk proposed adding a clause regarding citizenship to the award regulations.

«Since clause two of the regulations states that citizens of other countries may be awarded these honours, there is no information anywhere regarding the nationality of the citizen being proposed for the award,» the councillor noted.

In addition, she proposed specifying that the badge may be revoked in the event of a court conviction. This suggestion is to be considered by the regional council’s presidium.

Similar changes to the design and certificate apply to the «For the Defence of Mykolaiv Region» award. To ensure the awards are not perceived as identical, it is proposed that the design be altered.

The Education Committee, as announced at the meeting, also proposed changes to the design of the «Cross of St Nicholas» award. These will be finalised and presented to the presidium of the regional council.

Changes will also be made to the regulations governing the Regional Council’s Certificate of Honour and Letter of Appreciation. As the Letter of Appreciation and Certificate of Honour are issued on official letterhead, it is on these documents that the Mykolaiv Region coat of arms must be updated.

Deputies will also consider amendments to the Programme for the Development of Local Self-Government in the Mykolaiv Region for 2024–2027.

«We are presenting clause six in a revised version, that is, in a version that promotes the Mykolaiv region by fostering a positive image of the region and showcasing its cultural, historical, tourist, economic and investment potential during official business trips and international and interregional cooperation,» said the committee chair, Iryna Pidpala.

Tetiana Labartkava clarified that they are proposing to add to the resolution a sketch of the so-called «Unbreakable Mykolaiv Region» coin, measuring 6.5 centimetres, as a symbol of the regional council and the region.

«One side will feature the large coat of arms and the other the small coat of arms on the flag of the Mykolaiv region, with the inscription ‘Unbreakable Mykolaiv Region’. This will allow us to promote the Mykolaiv region among foreign partners as well. “If the leadership or deputies of the regional council go on a business trip or meet international partners or partners from other regions, the regional council will also be represented, so to speak, by souvenir items,» said Tetiana Labartkava.

The councillors approved the draft resolutions. All proposals are to be considered by the regional council’s presidium.

It should be recalled that on 16 April, the Mykolaiv Regional Council selected a new coat of arms for the region. The councillors chose the version featuring Saint Nicholas.

The Heraldry Council attached to the Mykolaiv Regional Council identified two sketches for the region’s new coat of arms, which were submitted to the deputies for consideration. These were the versions featuring Saint Nicholas and symbols of ancient Olbia. The majority of local authorities in the Mykolaiv region supported the version of the region’s new coat of arms depicting Saint Nicholas. At the same time, two communities did not support either option at all.