Misinterpretation of Jamaican flag by Google

THE EDITOR, Madam:

For the 59th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence, Google honoured the occasion with a special doodle that included the nation’s flag of black, green and gold accompanied by the following explanation:

“Depicted in the Doodle artwork, the Jamaican flag is the only flag in the world that is not adorned with red, white, or blue. Instead, the national symbol features a golden cross on the center, creating two black and two green triangles. This distinctive design was chosen in a national contest and earned this flag the nickname ‘The Cross’. The flag’s colors have their own symbolic meanings: green represents the Jamaican island itself, gold symbolizes the sun that shines onto it, and black signifies the peoples’ strength in the face of hardship.”

While I commend Google’s generosity and appreciate their effort in acknowledging our achievement, they erred in the official interpretation of the colours. In ‘Flag of Jamaica’ (Wikipedia), found in their search engine, they would have learnt that their published interpretation in marking the occasion was changed in 1996, following the recommendation of the Committee to Examine National Symbols and National Observances appointed by then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and chaired by Milton ‘Rex’ Nettleford. The new symbolism of the colours of the flag is as follows: Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people, not ‘the peoples’ strength in the face of hardship’ as published by Google in their doodle.

Gold, stands for the natural beauty of the sunlight and the wealth of the country; and green signifies hope and agricultural resources. Further information is also available at the Jamaica Information Service.

DUDLEY MCLEAN II

Mandeville, Manchester