Grenada’s National Flag designer Anthony Conrad George dies on 50th independence

St George, Grenada: The designer of the Grenada National Flag- Anthony Conrad George, died in the United Kingdom at the age of 80, on the same day that Grenada celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday. It is to be noted that he resided in both London, England and mainland Grenada, where he grew up from the age of 10. A prolific artist, George participated in a national design competition in 1973. Noting this, the competition allowed all participants to submit their designs for a new national flag and coat of arms with a motto. Both the competitions were won by George. The news of his death has shocked the nation and many citizens have sent their condolences on this sad occasion.“On the day that Grenadians celebrated its 50th anniversary of Independence with the country adorned by thousands of flags of red, green and gold, of the nutmeg, and of the stars representing the seven parishes, its creator, Anthony George, passed on to the ancestors”, wrote lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie on her Facebook handle, as she paid tribute to the designer of Grenada’s National Flag. 

Anthony Conrad George

George was born in Carriacou on January 7, 1938, a renowned Grenadian artist who earned fame for being the designer of the national flag of Grenada. He was appointed to the Independence Secretariat in 1974 to serve on four committees in the preparation for Grenada’ Independence.Further, he served his homeland as a senior sales representative for Europe and the United Kingdom in 1991. Since then, he started living in the UK. In 1992, he worked as an executive manager for the Eastern Main Road Project with the Ministry of Works. The project was funded by the European Union. 

Achievements and Recognition

• A prolific artist of the Grenada was honoured with British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for his contribution to art and culture. 
• In April 2009, George was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace by Queen to mark the 60th anniversary of Commonwealth.
• On February 6, 2012, a street in Soubise, initially called as St Andrew Parish was changed to the name A.C George Road in Anthony’s honour.
• A designer was named as one of the guests of Houston in Texas in their 40th Grenadian Independence celebration on February 8, 2014.
• People across the nation extended a vote of thanks to the designer of the Grenada’s national flag for his service and contribution to the community and country.