Trinidad and Tobago Flags

The flag used by Trinidad and Tobago is known as The Sun-Sea-Sand Banner. The Independence Committee adopted it on August 31, 1962, when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom. The flag has a red background with a black diagonal band bordered in white that runs from its upper left corner to the bottom right corner of the flag.

The colors black, red, and white were chosen to represent the elements earth, water, and fire. They symbolize the past, the present, and the future of the islands. The red color represents warmth, such as the sun’s energy and the courage and friendliness of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The black color represents the strength and unity of purpose of the people and therefore is used to symbolize the bond joining them and their great dedication. It also shows their land’s wealth. Finally, the color white represents the sea that surrounds the islands, the purity of the peoples’ aspirations, as well as their equality.

In 1962 when Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence, a committee was formed to create the symbols that would represent the country’s people. It was named the Independence Committee and among its members was an artist Carlyle Chang who designed the country’s flag. The committee also came up with the country’s coat of arms.

The flag has been in use since the country’s independence. Before that, it used the British’s Blue Ensign as the colonial flag from 1889-1962. It had a circular badge that showed a ship’s arrival at a harbor and had a motto in Latin with the words “miscerique probat populos et fœdera jungi” which translates to “he approves of the mingling of peoples and their being joined together by treaties.” Its navy uses the British’s White Ensign with the Trinidad and Tobago’s flag in its upper left quarter.