| Official Symbols and
Emblems of Barbados  The National Flag is composed
of three vertical panels -- the outer of ultramarine (for
the sea and sky of Barbados) and the center of gold (for
the sand of Barbados' beaches). The symbol in the center
panel is the Trident of Neptune; the shaft is broken to
symbolize Barbados' break with its historical and
constitutional ties as a colony. The National Flag was
designed by Grantley W. Prescod, whose design was chosen
from 1,029 entries in an open competition organized by
the Government of Barbados.
 The
grant of a Coat of Arms was presented by
Queen Elizabeth II of
Great Britain to the President of the Senate of Barbados
on February 14, 1966. The arms were designed by Neville
C. Connell, director of the Barbados Museum. The Golden
Shield bears two Pride of Barbados flowers (the National
Flower) and the Bearded Fig Tree (which was common on the
island at the time of its settlement). The shield is
supported on the dexter side by a dolphin (symbolic of
the fishing industry) and by a pelican (for Pelican
Island, which existed off Barbados until being
incorporated into the Deep Water Harbour) on the sinister
side. Above the shield is a helmet and mantling and on a
wreath is the arm and hand of a Barbadian holding two
crossed pieces of sugar cane (symbolic of the sugar
industry), making what is called a Saltire Cross, the
cross upon which Saint Andrew was crucified (Independence
Day is celebrated on November 30, Saint Andrew's Day).
The ribbon below the shield bears the Barbadian motto
"Pride and Industry."
 The National Flower of Barbados
is the Pride of Barbados (Poinciana pulcherrima
linnaeus), also known as the dwarf poinciana or
flower fence. This shrub is often pruned into a low
hedge, but if left untrimmed can grow to a height of 10
to 15 feet. It blooms most of the year. The National
Flower is accepted as the red variety with the yellow
margin on the petals, but other variations can be found.
Each flower is about 1½ inches across. The branches are
prickly. The leaves are doubly compound about one foot
long and six inches wide with many small leaflets.
The National Pledge
was written by Lester Vaughan, a former teacher and
education officer of primary schools, whose entry was
chosen over 166 other compositions in a national
competition. The Pledge was formally announced to
Barbados on April 2, 1973.
I pledge allegiance to my country
Barbados and to my flag,
To uphold and defend their honour,
And by my living to do credit
to my nation wherever I go.
The music of the National
Anthem was written by C. Van Roland Edwards; it
was re-arranged in 1967 by Inspector Prince Cave of the
Royal Barbados Police Band. The lyrics were written by
Irving Burgie.
In plenty and in time of need
When this fair land was young
Our brave forefathers sowed the seed
From which our pride is sprung,
A pride that makes no wanton boast
Of what it has withstood
That binds our hearts from coast to coast -
The pride of nationhood
Chorus:
We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own.
We write our names on history's page
With expectations great,
Strict guardians of our heritage,
Firm craftsmen of our fate
The Lord has been the people's guide
For past three hundred years.
With him still on the people's side
We have no doubts or fears.
Upward and onward we shall go,
Inspired, exulting, free,
And greater will our nation grow
In strength and unity.
Questions or comments about this
page?
Government of Barbados. www.barbados.gov.bb/natinfo.htm
Queen Elizabeth II
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