ITS MEANING

The Barbados flag consists of three equal vertical bands of blue, gold, and blue. The head of a black trident, representing independence and a break with the past, is centered on the gold band.

ITS MEANING

The Golden Shield of the Arms carries two Pride of Barbados flowers (the National Flower) and the Bearded Fig Tree (ficus Citrifolia) which was common on the island at the time of its settlement. On the right side of the shield is a dolphin symbolic of the fishing industry and on the left is a Pelican.

Above the shield is a helmet and mantling and on a wreath is the arm and hand of a Bardadian holding two crossed pieces of sugar cane symbolic of the sugar industry.

The Coat of Arms carries the motto "Pride and Industry."

 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.

 

Lyrics by Irving Burgie, a  music scholar, who also performed music under the name Lord Burgess.

Music by C. Van Roland Edwards, who was then partly blind. His two daughters Nannette and Eullia.assisted him in his work