Flying Independence flag for 27 years – SVG

The history of flags dates back more than 4,000 years. Ancient flags, known as “vexilloids,” meaning “guide,” were metal or wooden poles that featured a unique carving at the top of the pole.

About 2,000 years ago, people began decorating these ancient vexilloids with fabric and other materials making them more similar to the modern flags we use today.{{more}}

People use flags to give others information, such as, who they are. Long ago, knights carried flags into battle because it was hard to know who the knights were when they were dressed up and covered in armor ready for battle! Flags were important because they helped soldiers tell their friends from their enemies in battle.

Today every country has a flag and it is the rally point for citizens, portraying information about the people, their country, and culture.

St Vincent and the Grenadines has had two flags since independence.

The Independence Flag, unfurled on October 27, 1979 was a vertical tricolour of blue, yellow, and green with white stripes separating each colour. The 1912 coat of arms was displayed on a green breadfruit leaf on the yellow band.

On October 21, 1985, the flag was changed. The vertical tricolours of blue, yellow, and green remained but the separating white stripes were removed. The Coat of Arms on the breadfruit leaf was replaced by three green diamonds arranged in the shape of a “V”.

Many to this day still wonder what the colors and symbols on the flag represent.

The green diamonds are shaped in a “V” for St Vincent and the Grenadines to reflect the plural nature of the many islands that comprise the state.

The blue represents the sky and the sea, the gold is for warmth, the bright spirit of the people and the golden sands of the Grenadines and the green signifies the lush vegetation of St Vincent’s agriculture and the enduring vitality of the people.

The national flag has been in use since 1985 and the three diamonds are also referred to as Gems of the Antilles.