The flag's bright blue background represents the Pacific Ocean, which plays a very signficant part in the lives of the islanders, both in terms of the fishing industry, and the huge tourist trade. The Union Jack reflects the country's past, when it was a british colony. The shield is derived from the country's coat of arms, which was granted by Royal Warrant in 1908. It is a white shield with a red cross and a red chief. The images depicted on the shield represent agricultural activities on the islands, and the historical associations with the United Kingdom. At the top of the shield, a British lion holds a cocoa pod between its paws. The first quarter is sugarcane, the second quarter is a coconut palm, the third quarter is the Dove of peace, and the fourth quarter is a bunch of bananas.
