Follow Rules on Use of National Emblems and Symbols

Advertisers, marketers and public relations practitioners are being reminded to follow the guidelines and rules governing the appropriate use of the country’s national symbols and emblems.

Chief of State Protocol at the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Elinor Felix, said the symbols and emblems signify the national goals, values and history and it is important that they are held in high regard.

“It is through these emblems and symbols that we can respect our heritage and commit ourselves to continue the legacy of building and development,” she noted.

Ambassador Felix was addressing a training session for public relations practitioners on the use of Jamaica’s national emblems and symbols held at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Thursday (September 29).

The emblems are: the National Flag of Jamaica, the Coat of Arms of Jamaica (more correctly known as the State Arms of Jamaica), and the National Anthem.

The four national symbols are the Ackee fruit; the Swallowtail Hummingbird; the Blue Mahoe tree; and the Lignum Vitae flower.

Ambassador Felix informed that the symbols and emblems can be utilised for official, commercial (in trademarks) and personal use.

As it relates to the National Flag, which is one of the most misused emblems, she advised that it should never be allowed to touch the ground or floor and should be used with extreme care.

It should not be draped over vehicles of any sort, except those of the military or police and on State or official occasions.

Hoisting the flag on personal vehicles or any other personal item, are just some of the actions that dishonour the emblem and the nation, Ambassador Felix pointed out.

She said the flag must be replaced when it becomes worn, and should be burnt privately. It must not be used for any purpose other than for which it was designed.

She noted that the positioning of the flag at functions is also a matter of importance. No other flag should be placed above or to the right of the Jamaican Flag, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions.

Additionally, the National Flag should never be smaller than any other flag flown at the same time.

At the training, the practitioners were exposed to public education campaigns done using the national emblems and symbols by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

The Office of the Prime Minister is finalising a Cabinet submission, which will allow for the publication of an official handbook of the emblems and symbols.