Who designed the flag of Trinidad and Tobago?

Carlisle Chang designed the flag of Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago artist created the bold red field, black diagonal band, and white edging chosen for the newly independent nation in 1962.

The flag was adopted on August 31, 1962, the date Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from the United Kingdom. Chang served on the committees developing the country’s new national symbols, and the independence committee selected his flag design. He also designed the national coat of arms.

The colors carry deliberate meanings: red represents fire, including the sun and the courage of the people; black represents earth and dedication; and white represents water, purity, and equality. The diagonal black band crosses from the upper hoist to the lower fly, bordered by narrow white bands.

A common mistake is to assign the flag to another Caribbean designer, such as Reginald Samuel, who designed Antigua and Barbuda’s flag. Chang’s work also extended beyond flags: he was a painter, muralist, photographer, and major figure in Trinidadian art.