Flag of the British Paradise Islands

from The Essential Paradise, series sourcebook

Doc.2.00

The red, white, green and blue
Though formally a dependency of the British crown, the Paradise Islands have had their own territorial flag since the mid-1960s, when the Red Ensign (as for overseas territories) was replaced with one developed by the Headley government: a Blue Ensign upon which the six main islets of the archipelago are depicted as green diamonds outlined in white. Green was chosen for the land masses to emphasise and promote the territory’s long-standing and unwavering commitment to environmental protection, despite the departure from Commonwealth tradition in that a colour other than red, white or blue was used.

Like the UK ensign the flag is always properly rendered in a 2:1 proportion (not 3:2). Common heraldry colours are specified. The exact hue oif green has been debated but (perhaps ironically) the same shade as is used in the Irish national standard is most often cited.

The BPI ensign is typically flown at territorial government buildings including schools, postal offices, banks, bus depots, township and borough halls, airports, port quays, and Florida House, the residence of the governor-general. Amongst other flags the territorial ensign shall take the honoured position, except when the UK standard is present (such as at West Windsor Castle and at the RAF base at Ocean Park).

Accepted procedure is to hoist the flag each morning just after dawn or before the start of business and to strike the flag at the close of business or at dusk. Government installations, including schools, are expected to perform the hoist and strike according to the drill; at Territorial Parliament's Cook House meeting hall, and at most township and borough halls (as they are capable) shall have 'Reveille' and 'Last Post' played as accompaniment.

The territorial ensign remains aloft above the British Paradise Islands Territorial Cemetary, at which are interred the remains military and governmental veterans, day and night, appropriately illuminated.

The territorial ensign is usually present on a stand beside the altar at Anglican churches. In school classrooms the flag hangs from a wall staff near or above the classroom door and is addressed during the students' singing or rectial of 'Allegiance' each morning.