The Story of the Golden Arrowhead

The SYMBOLS OF GUYANA’S INDEPENDENCE AND NATIONHOOD are by now, fairly well-known to most Guyanese nationals – whenever they might find themselves domiciled.

These symbols include the Coat-of-Arms, the introduction of a National Bird – the Canje Pheasant – and a National Flower – the Victoria Regia, a National Pledge, a National Anthem; then later the Presidential  Cacique’s Crown, Arms, and Standard,  after the Song of the Republic.

But nothing, no other symbol or song, signifies the presence and pride of the Republic of Guyana like the NATIONAL FLAG, THE GOLDEN ARROWHEAD does!  It is an eye-catching, colourful piece of national fabric and tapestry.  As a matter of fact, in 1966 Britain’s Garter King of Arms described Guyana’s new national flag-design as being “one of the most significant departures in national flag design in modern times”.

The story of the creation and birth of the Golden Arrowhead is as interesting as the finished product itself.
Cheddi Jagan, the first Premier of British Guiana, heightened his on-going anti-colonial struggle for the territory’s political independence, especially after his elections victory in 1961.  In the end it was Forbes Burnham, the shrewd manipulator-politician, who with help from the Anti-Communist British and Americans, inherited independence with the beautiful Golden Arrowhead replacing the British Union Jack on the midnight hour of May 25, 1966.

However, it was in 1960 when Harvard/Boston University VEXILLOLOGIST Dr. Whitney Smith wrote to Dr. Cheddi Jagan to enquire whether he could produce a flag for the colony.  Dr. Jagan reported that since the colony couldn’t have its own flag before independent, he (Dr. Smith) should design a flag for the future independent Guyana and forward it to the then National History and Arts Council for consideration.  Later, as appropriate, the National Legislature would have to approve the design. Dr. Smyth’s interest in flags began as a boy in 1946 when his father gave him one as a gift.  An avid interest in flags later saw him designing the flags of the Dutch territories of Bonaire, Aruba and other states.  He studied Guyana before coming up with his colourful and distinctive design.  

The procedures were duly completed and Whitney Smith’s Golden Arrowhead was approved and accepted by the time the Forbes Burnham 1964 Coalition Government was in Office.  (Once, when former PNC top man Hamilton Green attempted to diminish Dr. Jagan’s role in the genesis of the Golden Arrowhead, this writer was constrained to forcefully correct him – with appropriate respect and reminders.)

So it is that today, Guyana proudly boasts the Golden Arrowhead – the national flag which is always hoisted around the Guyanese world on May 26, Guyana’s Independence Day.
Oh! By now you know the significance of the flag’s five colours.
 

Now Fly Guyana’s Flag with Pride and Dignity, with Patriotism And Hope.  And Guyanese in America may
have some added “connection”?  Because an America designed their national flag?  Whatever.