Until 1966, Barbados was part of the United Kingdom, so the flag was originally a solid Union Jack, and after 1885 it was moved to the upper left corner and an emblem with a man holding a trident and standing on a chariot drawn by seahorses was added, symbolizing British sovereignty over the seas. However, after gaining independence, Barbados needed a new flag.
As a result, a competition was held for the best flag design, the winner of which was the project of Grantley Prescod, an art teacher.

More than a thousand applications were received, and Prescod became the winner. He received a cash prize of $500 and a gold medal. Prescod also produced a physical flag at the request of Prime Minister Barrow. This flag was first raised at a ceremony by Lieutenant Hartley Dottin, a member of the Barbados Regiment. Since then, this flag has become a symbol of independent Barbados.