The current design was selected from the publicly gathered designs in 1970, at the time of independence. On a base color of bright light blue, the Blue Ensign, which was used before independence, and the heraldic emblem shield are depicted. The light blue represents the Pacific Ocean. On the heraldic emblem shield are depicted the cross of St. George, a lion that holds a cacao seed, sugar tree, palm tree, a pigeon that holds an olive, and a bunch of bananas. It is based on the naval ensign of Britain.