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Dominica

Commonwealth of Dominica

by mark sensen - 1996-01-02

Previous flags
Official Announcement of the flag at independence

Previous flags

Flag of 1978

by Herman De Wael 1997-06-08

Flag of 1981

by Herman De Wael 1997-06-08

First adopted 3 november 1978. Black and white bands interchanged on 3 november 1981, posture of parrot changed 1988. Originaly the stars had no yellow border.
mark sensen 1996-01-02

Official announcement of 1978-11-03 :

The new Dominica independence flag is now on display at Government Headquarters. Dominicans are invited to view the flag on the third floor of the building.

The flag in an amendment of a design submitted by Alwin Bully for a flag competition held early this year. It consists of a circular emblem of red bearing a Sisserou Parrot (Psittacus Imperiala) standing on a twig encircled by ten lime green stars. This is superimposed on three vertical and three horizontal stripes of yellow, white and black forming a triple coloured cross against a general background of forest green.

The central emblem presents the National Bird of Dominica, the Sisserou Parrot, also a symbol of flight towards greater heights and fulfilment of aspirations. The Parrot also comes from the Dominica Coat of Arms thus symbolising the official seal of the country.

The ten lime green stars - the traditional symbol of hope - represent the ten parishes of the country, each with equal status, thus the equality of our people. The red central emblem carries the connotation of socialism.

The yellow, white and black stripes form a triple coloured cross representing the Trinity of God. The cross itself demonstrates belief in God since the Commonwealth of Dominica is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God.

The yellow stripe represents the sunshine of our land, our main agricultural products: Citrus and Bananas and also a symbol of the Carib people, the first inhabitants of the Island.

The white stripe represents the clarity of our rivers and waterfalls and the purity of aspirantion of our people.

The black stripe represents the rich black soil of our island on which our agriculture is based and also our African heritage.

The general background of dark green symbolises our rich verdunt forests and the general bushness of the island.

The flag can be seen during normal working hours.

Citizens may, if they so desire, use the colours of the flag for making buntings to decorate their houses and surroundings during Independence Celebrations.

"The army loyal to the Prime Minister Mary Eugenia Charles represses a revolt lead by the ex-commander-in-chief of Dominican Army Frederik Newton and by his vice Ashton Benjamin; they are arrested together with more than 90 people. The rebels tried to assail the prison in which there was the ex Prime Minister Patrick John, who was arrested on 12 Feb 1981"

So I argue that the little change of the flag is someway related with the change of government happened in the same year.
giuseppe bottasini