The flag of Grenada consists of two yellow triangles at the top and bottom and two green triangles at the hoist and fly. These are surrounded by a red border charged with six five pointed yellow stars – three at the top centre and three at the bottom centre – along with an additional star on a red disk at the centre and a nutmeg at the hoist triangle. Adopted in 1974 to replace the temporary design used since the islands became an Associated State of the United Kingdom, it has been the flag of Grenada since the country gained independence that year. Designed by a local Grenadian, it utilizes the colours of the Pan-Africanist movement. The representation of a nutmeg is symbolic of the islands' primary export, and was the one feature from the previous flag that was preserved.
History
Sovereignty over Grenada switched hands between the French and the British throughout the 18th century. This continued until 1783, when the Peace of Paris saw France permanently relinquish the island to the United Kingdom. It eventually became a crown colony within the latter's colonial empire in 1877. The territory joined the West Indies Federation in 1958 and was a member state of this political union until 1962. On 3 March 1967, five years after the federation was dissolved, Grenada became an Associated State. This gave Grenada full control over domestic matters, while Britain retained responsibility for the territory's foreign affairs and defence. A new flag for the territory was adopted, though this was only intended to be a temporary design. It consisted of a horizontal tricolour of blue, yellow, and green bands, charged with a nutmeg at the centre. Negotiations on independence commenced after the Grenada United Labour Party emerged victorious in the election in August 1967, having campaigned in favour of sovereignty. A search for a national flag began soon after. The design by Anthony C. George – a native Grenadian from Soubise in Saint Andrew Parish – was ultimately selected. It eschewed the commonly-used arrangement of a horizontal or vertical tricolour, while maintaining the nutmeg symbol from the previous flag. The new flag was hoisted at midnight on 7 February 1974, the day Grenada became an independent country, and was adopted by the government on that same day.
Design
Symbolism
The colours and symbols of the flag carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The green epitomizes the islands' vegetation and agriculture, while the yellow evokes the sun, as well as the warmth and wisdom of Grenadians. The red represents harmony, unity, courage, and vitality. Altogether, these three colours represent the Pan-Africanist movement. The green, yellow and red colour scheme was in turn inspired by the flag of Ethiopia, paying tribute to the oldest independent country in Africa and the only nation other than Liberia to maintain its sovereignty during the Scramble for Africa. The yellow stars on the red border symbolise the country's administrative divisions, while the yellow star on the red disc at the centre signifies the capital, St. George's. The symbol of a nutmeg at the hoist alludes to one of the primary agricultural exports of the islands. The country is the second-largest producer of nutmeg in the world, trailing only Indonesia. Consequently, Grenada has acquired the nicknames of "Isle of Spice" and "Spice Island".
Variants
The civil ensign is identical in design to the national flag, but has an aspect ratio of 1:2. The naval ensign is based on the British white ensign, a red cross on a white field, with the addition of the national flag in the canton.
Variant flag
Usage
Civil ensign
Naval Ensign
Protocol
Advice regarding flag etiquette is listed on the official website of the government, as well as on the websites of the country's embassies. When displayed together with the flags of other sovereign nations, the foreign flag should not be flown on top of or to the right of the Grenadian flag. The only exception to this recommendation is at foreign diplomatic missions on the island, which is also the only place where a foreign flag can be flown without the flag of Grenada accompanying it. When displayed together with domestic flags, the national flag ought to be situated at the centre and be the tallest one of the group. The Grenadian flag should not be smaller in size compared to other flags being flown adjacent to it. When carried in a procession, it should be located on the marching right or at the front of the centre. The guidelines also state that the flag is not to touch the ground, nor should it be dipped to an individual or an object. It ought to be displayed either within or in the vicinity of every polling place on the day an election is held. The national flag should be flown by merchant ships that are registered in the country, but should not be placed on top of motor vehicles. It is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without prior approval from the government. When it becomes damaged and is no longer fit to be publicly displayed, it is permissible to dispose of the national flag via burning.
