OECS flag raised for first time
News
June 30, 2006

OECS flag raised for first time

30.JUN.06

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) marked an historic point in its existence, Wednesday, June 21, when it raised the first ever OECS flag (pictured at right) before OECS Heads of Government, regional and international officials, and members of the public, on the compound of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), in St. Kitts/Nevis.{{more}}

The flag raising is among a number of high profile events being held this year to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre, which established the OECS on June 18, 1981.

The large gathering was told that the flag and colour scheme represent a positive celebration of the sub-region, that preserves a sense of formality; and projects the OECS as a meaningful and increasingly strong voice within the Caribbean region.

The flag has an internal ring which shows the nine elements of the OECS, evolving into nine points of contact, radiating out from the core, into the region and beyond. There is an outer “O” which is for the OECS and which is circled by another ring, representing the world at large. The double ring gives the flag a constant of dynamism, indicative of movement and growth.

The central core of the flag, also bears a resemblance to a blossoming flower, symbolic of dependence on science and technology. The colours are fresh and clean, optimistic and bright suggesting a “refreshed Caribbean” moving out to meet new opportunities. The formal dark blue symbolizes retention of a firm, corporate and establishment influence.

In addition to its use on the flag, the new design will also be used as the new

OECS logo, replacing the current logo which is designed as a handshake encircled by nine points and stars.

The flag, logo and logotype were designed and developed for the OECS by Present Image Design Limited, a Total Identity Development and Image Management Company, located in St. Lucia. The company was represented and acknowledged at the flag raising ceremony.