Edrice Lewis: Designer of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Flag
Learn who designed the national flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, how the winning design emerged from a national competition, and why it became the independence flag in 1983.
Who designed the flag?
Edrice Lewis is officially credited by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis with designing the national flag.
The government identifies her as the winner of the national design competition held in the period leading up to independence.
The national competition
Rather than adapting a colonial ensign, Saint Kitts and Nevis selected a new national design through a competition. The winning entry became the flag adopted on September 19, 1983.
What made the design distinctive?
Lewis used a strong diagonal composition: green above, red below, and a black band edged in yellow running between them. Two white stars sit on the black band.
The design combines geography and climate with historical memory. Green refers to fertile lands, yellow to sunshine, black to African heritage, red to the struggle from slavery through colonialism to independence, and the stars to hope and liberty.
A design that has endured
The essential design adopted in 1983 remains the national flag today. Government and diplomatic sources continue to identify Lewis as its designer and use the same symbolism.
FAQ
Who designed the Saint Kitts and Nevis flag?
Edrice Lewis.
How was the design chosen?
Through a national design competition.
When did the flag become official?
September 19, 1983, the date of independence.
Sources
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis — National Symbols
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — National Flag Protocols
