The Jamaican Flag: Signifies pride, dignity
"The sun shineth, the land is green, and the people are strong and creative." All this is embodied in the black, green and gold of the Jamaica National Flag which recalls past accomplishments and inspires future glories.
As the flag was raised for the first time on August 6, 1962, it was the start of something great - the birth of a beautiful nation. The flag features a gold saltire which divides it into four sections; the top and bottom triangles are green, and the two side triangles are black.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to see this flag which signifies the pride and dignity of its people being raised for the first time? To see the country which was burdened by oppression and the people who had to fight through hardship stand in full acknowledgement of their strength and vigour?
Margaret Greta Smith of Edgewater, Portmore, who was 29 years old at the time, was at the National Stadium for the momentous occasion. She recalls being awed by the day’s events and the number of people who had turned up to be part of history. To this day, the fireworks and the hoisting of the flag stand out in her mind.
“When mi see the fireworks and then mi see the flag up in the air, mi seh bwoy, it was really thrilling! It was really thrilling, a tell yuh! It was amazing to see our colours, green and yellow coming out in the fireworks,” she told The Gleaner.
The actual creation of the national emblem was far from easy, and took nine months of research, design and deliberation. Finally, on Wednesday, June 20, 1962, after two hours of dramatic and emotional debate, members of the House of Representatives stood and shouted “Aye” to a unique design by the bipartisan committee. The following Friday, June 22, Jamaicans grabbed their Daily Gleaner with joy to see the announcement on its front page: THIS IS JAMAICA’S FLAG, No other country’s ensign like it.
To this day, the Jamaican Flag is held in high regard and takes precedence over all other flags on Jamaican soil, including those of other sovereign nations. Chief of State Protocol in the Office of the Prime Minister Elinor Felix states, “The Jamaican Flag is very much a part of Brand Jamaica. Hence, we as a people must respect our flag, protect its usage and must reflect our national pride. During this year in which we celebrate 55 years of Independence, let us all show our pride in our achievements over these years by displaying our flag.”
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