Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Flag: Meaning, The Gems, History & Facts
Explore the blue-gold-green national flag, the three diamonds that form a V, the “Gems” nickname, and the transition from the 1979 independence flag to the current 1985 design.
What does the flag look like?
The current flag uses three vertical color fields: blue at the hoist, a wider gold band in the center and green at the fly. Three green diamonds appear in the lower half of the gold field and form a clear letter V.
Why are there three diamonds?
Official government descriptions say the diamonds reflect the many islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and define the country as the gems of the Antilles. Their arrangement forms a V for Vincent, giving the flag its nickname “The Gems.”
What do blue, gold and green mean?
Blue
Sky and sea.
Gold
Warmth, the bright spirit of the people and the golden sands of the Grenadines.
Green
Lush vegetation, agriculture and enduring vitality.
How did the flag evolve?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became independent on October 27, 1979. The independence flag used blue, yellow and green with narrow white separators and displayed the coat of arms on a large green breadfruit leaf.
In 1985 the design was simplified. The white separators were removed, and later in October the breadfruit-and-arms device was replaced by the three green diamonds used today.
Official sources differ slightly on the exact date: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives October 12, 1985, while the House of Assembly says the final diamond flag was hoisted on October 21, 1985. Both place the current design in October 1985.
What was on the 1979 independence flag?
The old design placed the national coat of arms on a green breadfruit leaf in the yellow center field. The House of Assembly links the breadfruit to the historic introduction of the tree into the Caribbean.
Quick facts
| Independence | October 27, 1979 |
|---|---|
| Current design | October 1985 |
| Nickname | The Gems |
| Diamonds | Three green diamonds |
| Diamond shape | Forms a V for Vincent |
| Main colors | Blue, gold and green |
FAQ
What do the three diamonds mean?
They identify the country as the gems of the Antilles and form a V for Vincent.
Why is the flag called The Gems?
The nickname comes directly from the official diamond symbolism.
When was the current flag introduced?
In October 1985. Official government sources give October 12 for adoption and October 21 for the hoisting of the final design.
What did the 1979 flag show?
The coat of arms on a green breadfruit leaf, with narrow white separators between the main vertical colors.
Sources
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — The National Flag
House of Assembly — History of the Flag
Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — The Flag
