Who designed the flag of Antigua and Barbuda?

Reginald Samuel designed the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. His entry won a public competition held as the islands moved toward self-government, making the design a national symbol before full independence.

The flag was adopted on February 27, 1967, when Antigua and Barbuda achieved statehood in free association with the United Kingdom. More than 600 local people reportedly entered the competition. Samuel, a nationally known artist and sculptor, produced the winning design, which was retained when Antigua and Barbuda became independent on November 1, 1981.

Its rising sun represents the dawn of a new era. The black band reflects African ancestry, blue suggests hope and the Caribbean Sea, red represents energy and life, and the white section evokes sand. The V shape is associated with victory. The sun’s seven points represent Antigua’s six parishes and the island of Barbuda.

The main mix-up is confusing Samuel with designers of other Caribbean flags. Grantley Prescod designed Barbados’s flag, while Carlisle Chang designed Trinidad and Tobago’s national flag.