Monday, March 28, 2016

Guyana Flag History

By Nill Swan


Guyana was a Dutch colony in the 17th century until it was claimed by the British Crown in 1815. Remnants of these colonial eras are still evident in many cultural traditions as well as influence from the native indigenous tribes.

The Warrou people were the indigenous inhabitants of Guyana. The Dutch, English, and French established colonies in what is now known as Guyana, but by the early 17th century the majority of the settlements were Dutch. During the Napoleonic wars, Britain took over the Dutch colonies of Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, which became British Guiana in 1831.

Slavery was outlawed in 1834, and the great need for plantation workers led to a large wave of immigration, primarily of East Indians. Today, about half of the population is of East Indian descent and about 36% are of African descent.

The current flag of Guyana was officially adopted on May 20, 1966. The national flag of Guyana was designed by a prominent American vexillologist Whitney Smith. Because the flag has a yellow and a red arrow on its green base, the flag of Guyana is also called 'The Golden Arrowhead'.

The yellow arrow is flanked with a slim white strip and the red one is encased by a dark line. The green shading on the national banner of Guyana connotes the woods and foliage of this African nation.

The yellow shading delineates the unprecedented mineral asset of the state and the splendid future which it yearns while red symbolizes the essentialness of the general population of Guyana. The white shading on the banner of Guyana delineates the waterways and dark means perseverance. The Flag Company Inc had practical experience in banner plans offered an uncommon version of decals and banners to remember the historical backdrop of Guyana Flag for future generations.




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