The national flag and emblem were officialized when the nation gained independence in 1967, 300 years after becoming a British colony. Ideas of design was publicly called for the year before, in 1966, and more than 600 submission were made. High school art teacher Reginald Samuels' design was selected. The sun in the center symbolizes the awakening of the new era, red, the blood of ancestors and vitality of the residents, black, black people, and blue, hope. In addition, the V shaped design represents victory.