THE Government has issued the guidelines and rules governing the use of the national flag ahead of the country’s 54th anniversary of Independence celebrations, which begin next week.

It came into use on August 6, 1962 and signifies Jamaica’s break from British rule.

The fact that the flag represents the birth of the nation, protocol states that it should be respected and regarded as a sacred emblem of the country.

Guidelines taken from a State Protocol Presentation by chief of psrotocol at the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Elinor Felix, state that the flag should never be allowed to touch the ground or floor and should be used with extreme care.

The document also points out that the flag should never be flown or used purely for decorative purposes on anything that is for temporary use and likely to be discarded, except on State occasions.

The flag should not be draped over vehicles of any sort, except those of the military or police and on State or official occasions. Hoisting the flag on personal vehicles or any other personal items are just some of the actions that dishonour the flag and the nation.

Another recommendation is that the flag must be replaced when it becomes worn. It should be burnt privately and not used for any purpose other than that for which it was designed. To protect the flag, it should never be fastened, flown, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way.

The position of the flag at functions is also a matter of importance. One should not place any other flag above or to the right of the Jamaican flag, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions. Also, one should not raise any foreign flag publicly, unless the Jamaican flag is also flown, except at embassies, consulates and missions.

Additionally, the flag should never be smaller than any other flag flown at the same time.

Two instructions from the

Jamaica Information Service publication speak to the use of the Jamaican flag at public buildings and schools. They state that:

• The flag should be flown at all government and municipal buildings and offices, at or near the main administrative building, and it is recommended that, if possible, each day it should be flown from 8:00 am to sunset.

• The flag should be flown at all government-aided schools when the school is in session. At the beginning and end of each term, there should be a special flag-raising and -lowering ceremony.

The colours of the flag are black, green and gold, and not yellow. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and green, hope and agricultural resources. The exact shade of green used in the flag is Emerald T8 17, British Admiralty Bunting Pattern. The flag follows the Admiralty Pattern and the correct proportions are 1:2.

For additional guidelines on the proper use of the Jamaican flag, individuals may visit

jis.gov.jm/symbols/jamaica-national-flag/.