Barbados’s national flag has three vertical bands, ultramarine, gold and ultramarine, with a black broken trident head in the centre. It was adopted at independence in 1966.

What does the Barbados flag look like?

The two outer bands are deep ultramarine blue and the centre is gold. A black trident head appears in the middle, with its lower shaft deliberately broken off.

What does the broken trident mean?

The trident recalls the maritime emblem associated with Barbados during the colonial period. Its broken shaft symbolises the break from colonial rule and the establishment of an independent state.

Who designed the flag?

Grantley W. Prescod designed the winning entry in a national competition. The flag was first raised on November 30, 1966, the day Barbados became independent.

Barbados flag facts

• Adopted: November 30, 1966
• Designer: Grantley W. Prescod
• Colors: ultramarine, gold and black
• Symbol: broken trident head