The Bermuda flag looks like this:

Bermuda’s Flag

I hate it.

Why? Because it contains nothing about Bermuda.

Technically were not quite independent as we’re still a British Overseas Territory. On the other hand our elected parliament handle economic, social and political issues without the interference of Great Britain (for the most part).

Sure, the queen comes down every few years to check in on us. She smiles and waves her hand royally. Truthfully, that’s about it. I know that there are other dealings going on behind the scenes but we are very independent.

Britain has stated that they will not interfere if we want to go independent. Essentially, they will accept our decision if we want to leave the nest. The choice is ours.

“We won’t patronise Bermuda. We’ll say ‘Bermuda, you’re grown up. You take that decision’. All we’ll ask is if you decide to go independent, we’ll need an unambiguous signal that that is the case.” Sir Richard Gozney, Governor of Bermuda

Whether Bermuda should go independent or not is another story, the fact still remains that our flag is bogus.

The first thing you notice about the flag is the HUGE union jack in the upper left hand corner. It’s unbelievable to think about the prowess that the British Empire had in it’s heyday. Not only did she colonize and take over half the world, but she also branded every nation-state along the way with her madam name. Talk about pimpin’.

British Empire expansion

As we’re still a part of the overseas territory, it’s hard for me to argue otherwise but it does take up a quarter of the flag real estate! Was 1/5 not enough GB?!

Next we have the coat of arms. You will notice a large, scary looking red lion. This is a symbol of England, also nothing to do with Bermuda.

In the badge there is a depiction of a wrecked ship. The ship in the image is the Sea Venture, flagship of the Virginia Company, which allegedly brought the first settlers to the island in 1609.

Two problems here. Based on historical records Bermuda was already discovered by a Spanish captain named Juan de Bermudez 100 years before in 1505. Additionally, the Virginia Company was a known organization that directly profited from slavery. Hey Great Britain, just so you know, it’s not cool to have a slave ship prominently displayed on a country’s flag okay?

The Wikipedia page for Bermuda’s flag says that it alludes to Bermuda’s relationship with Great Britain. Sure, the flag shows Britain’s relationship with Bermuda but nothing much about Bermuda itself.

From a visual standpoint, it does nothing to capture the unique mix of west african, native american and european influences that makes the island what it is today. The flag foregoes the rich history and cultural traditions of Bermuda in favor of a twisted representation of colonization and slavery.

A flag tells a story in the same way that a name does. It’s powerful and a reflection of how you look at yourself. I think we need a new one.