Jamaica’s flag (6 August 1962) bears a gold saltire dividing black (hoist and fly) and green (top and bottom) triangles. Black signifies the strength and creativity of the people; gold the sunlight and natural wealth; green hope and agricultural resources. Selected at independence, the unique palette omits red, white, and blue. Protocol and law regulate proportion, respectful use, and dignified retirement.
Unfurled on 6 August 1962 at independence, Jamaica’s national flag is a gold saltire that divides the field into four triangles—black at hoist and fly, green at top and bottom. Widely cited as the only sovereign flag without red, white, or blue, the banner’s palette and geometry emerged from a national design effort and a final governmental selection.
Official readings now present black as the strength and creativity of the people, gold as the country’s natural wealth and the sunlight, and green as hope and agricultural abundance. Earlier phrasing—“Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth”—captured the same spirit in aphoristic form. The flag’s bold diagonals produce high legibility in stadiums, regattas, and diplomatic venues.
Statute and administrative guidance cover proportion, colour standards, and respectful handling: the flag must not touch the ground; soiled or torn flags are withdrawn from service and retired with dignity; reproduction is controlled to prevent defacement. The national flag is hoisted at government facilities on state observances and at missions abroad; half‑masting follows executive direction. The design has remained unaltered since adoption.