History of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Flag
From the breadfruit-and-coat-of-arms flag raised at independence in 1979 to the clean three-diamond “Gems” design introduced in 1985.
The 1979 independence flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became independent on October 27, 1979. The independence flag was a vertical blue-yellow-green design separated by narrow white bands. In the yellow center field sat the national coat of arms on a large green breadfruit leaf.
The House of Assembly records that the flag had local design roots and that the white separating stripes were added by the College of Arms. The breadfruit device linked the flag to an important part of Caribbean agricultural history.
What changed in 1985?
After the 1985 election, the flag was simplified. The narrow white separators were removed. Later in October, the breadfruit-and-coat-of-arms emblem was replaced by three green diamonds placed in the wider gold center band.
Why do official sources give two October 1985 dates?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the current flag was officially adopted on October 12, 1985. The House of Assembly’s historical account says the current diamond flag was hoisted on October 21, 1985.
Because both are government sources, the most accurate summary is that the current “Gems” design was introduced in October 1985, while noting the difference between the official adoption date and the date given for the public hoisting of the final design.
Flag history timeline
Independence flag adopted: blue, white, yellow, white and green with the coat of arms on a breadfruit leaf.
White separators removed during a first simplification.
Three green diamonds replace the breadfruit-and-arms device, creating the current flag.
FAQ
When was the current flag adopted?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives October 12, 1985; the House of Assembly says the new diamond flag was hoisted October 21. Both place the current design in October 1985.
What was on the 1979 flag?
The national coat of arms on a large green breadfruit leaf, with narrow white separators between the blue, yellow and green bands.
Why was the flag redesigned?
The 1985 redesign simplified the independence-era flag and replaced the more complex emblem with three green diamonds.
Sources
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — The National Flag
House of Assembly — History of the Flag
