Flag of Barbados

The flag of Barbados was adopted on November 30, 1966 and consists of three vertical stripes of blue (ultramarine) and yellow, where the yellow is located in the middle between the two blue stripes, and in the middle of the yellow stripe is a trident.

Meaning of the flag of Barbados

• The ultramarine is a symbol of the Caribbean Sea. It is associated with maritime industries, such as fishing and trade, that have sustained the island; 
• The golden color symbolizes the sandy beaches of Barbados and is also a historical symbol of sugar production, which contributed to the development of the island. The color gold is also associated with wealth and prosperity;
• The trident represents the island's maritime heritage, its independence from colonial rule and its sense of self-sufficiency. It is a testament to Barbados' ability to write its own history.

History of the Barbados flag

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.