Antigua and Barbuda

The national flag of Antigua and Barbuda was adopted on 27 February 1967 to mark self-government. It was designed by Sir Reginald Samuel, whose entry won a national competition with more than 600 submissions. The red symbolizes dynamism, energy, and blood shed by the people; black represents African ancestry; blue stands for the Caribbean Sea and hope; white signifies sandy beaches; and the rising golden sun represents the dawning of a new era. The overall V shape is interpreted as "Victory at last." The flag remained unchanged when Antigua and Barbuda became fully independent on 1 November 1981.