Last modified: 2002-12-20 by antonio martins
Keywords: republic of anguilla | mermaid | invasion | drug |
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This is the first flag of Anguilla Island when this island
proclaimed its independence. Between 12 and 23 July 1967, Anguilla
did not have a flag but on 23 July 1967 was adopted a flag named
"Mermaid flag", which was in use until 29 September 1967, when
the Dolphin flag was introduced. (Source:
The flag Bulletin XXX:5/143
[tfb]
Jaume Ollé, 27 September 1996
The “Mermaid flag” was as far as I know a one-off and was never adopted officially. It was created by a group of self-appointed San Franciscan “advisors” to Anguilla whose main intention seems to have been to earn a fast buck out of selling Anguillan flags, passports, visa, stamps etc.
A more sinister plot later emerged whereby drug barons were accused of attempting to take over the island’s government to use it as a base for their activities. Although probably just a convenient fictional cover, this was the reason given by the British for their “invasion” of Anguilla in 1969. Anguilla thereby joined the very short list of nations (Rhodesia being the other one) to have returned to British rule having experienced a period of independence, albeit unrecognized.
Vexillographically, the Mermaid flag is in my humble opinion is total mess — any flag which has to have the name of the country in huge letters across it surely lacks any meaningful symbolism. The dolphin flag on the other hand, is a beautiful piece of vexillography.
Stuart Notholt, 29 September 1996
The Page about flags at the
anguillan official government website includes a
50¢ anguillan postage stamp
showing a somewhat different image, without lettering and with dark
purple background.
António Martins, 24 Sep 2002