An earlier interpretation of the colours was, "hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth '' as stated in the government Ministry Paper 28 - National Flag dated 22 May 1962. Gold recalls the shining sun, black reflects hardships, and green represents the land. It was changed in 1996 to black representing the strength and creativity of the people which has allowed them to overcome the odds, yellow for the wealth of the country and the golden sunshine, and green for the lush vegetation of the island. The change was made on the recommendation of The Committee to Examine National Symbols and National Observances appointed by the then Prime Minister the Hon P.J. Patterson and chaired by the Hon. Prof. Milton "Rex '' Nettleford. The flag is blazoned: Per saltire vert and sable, a saltire Or.
what does the color of jamaican flag mean
black representing the strength and creativity of the people which has allowed them to overcome the odds yellow for the wealth of the country and the golden sunshine green for the lush vegetation of the island