History of the Dominica Flag: 1978 Independence to the Current Design
Trace Dominica’s flag from the British Blue Ensign era to Alwin Bully’s 1978 independence design and the later 1981, 1988 and 1990 refinements.
What flag did Dominica use before independence?
Before independence, Dominica used British-associated flags. The Office of the President records that a coat of arms was granted in 1961 and that after 1967 the state flag was a British Blue Ensign carrying the full arms in the fly.
The 1978 independence flag
When Dominica became independent on November 3, 1978, the country adopted a completely new national flag rather than modifying the colonial ensign. The design combined a forest-green field, a yellow-black-white triple cross, a red disc, ten stars and the Sisserou parrot.
The Office of the President describes it as an adaptation of a design submitted in a national flag competition.
Who designed the Dominica flag?
The national flag was designed by Alwin Bully, a Dominican artist, playwright and cultural figure. The government’s national-symbol page names Bully as the designer of the flag.
How did the flag change after 1978?
The basic idea stayed the same, but reference histories document several refinements after independence.
The Dominica flag today
Today the official design remains centered on the Sisserou parrot and ten stars. The Office of the President’s protocol specifies a 2:1 width-to-height proportion, equal-width cross stripes, a circular red disc and a purple breast on the bird.
Dominica flag history FAQ
When was the flag first adopted?
November 3, 1978.
Who designed it?
Alwin Bully.
What was used before independence?
A British Blue Ensign carrying Dominica’s coat of arms was used during the associated-state period.
When did the current form appear?
The current details date from refinements completed by 1990.
