Flag of Fiji
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flag ratio: 1:2The flag of Fiji was adopted on October 10, 1970. The state arms have been slightly modified but the flag has remained the same. It is a defaced sky-blue "Blue Ensign" (the actual Blue Ensign version of the flag is the Government ensign). It has remained unchanged since Fiji was declared a republic in 1987, despite calls from some politicians (such as Opposition Senator Atu Emberson-Bain) for changes.
The current flag is very similar to the colonial ensign used prior to independence, the main differences being the latter used a darker shade of blue and displayed the entire Fijian coat of arms as opposed to just the shield. While some reformists have called for the removal of the Union Jack, seeing it a British colonial emblem, others support its retention for the sake of historical continuity. The flags of other independent countries, such as Australia, New Zealand and Tuvalu retain the Royal Union Flag in their national flags.
Some influential Fijians have called for the restoration of the full coat of arms to the flag. On November 30, 2005, Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs called for the two warrior figures, who guard the shield on the coat of arms, to be placed on the flag, along with a miniature canoe and the national motto, Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na tui ("Fear God and honour the queen") — symbols that were featured on the original flag of the Kingdom of Viti, the first unified Fijian state, forged by Seru Epenisa Cakobau in 1871.
"The coat of arms is very significant because it has the word of God, then it has the two warriors and the Fijian canoe also. I think that the council members prefer that the full coat of arms be included in the Fiji flag," said Asesela Sadole, General Secretary of the Great Council of Chiefs.
[edit] Ensigns of Fiji
  Merchant Ensign |
  Government Ensign |
  Naval Ensign |
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Sources:
- High Commission of the Republic of the Fiji Islands to New Zealand - National Symbols of Fiji. "Ensigns for use in Government vessels, in merchant ships and in naval vessels are of the same basic design, but have dark blue, red and white background respectively". Accessed 2 Feb. 2006
- Barraclough, E. M. C. and Crampton, W. G. (1978). Flags of the World. London: Frederick Warne. ISBN 0-7232-2015-8. P. 209 et seq. "The Civil Air Ensign is like that of Britain, except that it has the shield of Fiji placed on the arm of the cross."
