But Peter Deveaux – Isaacs, deputy chairman of the Independence Celebrations Committee and under secretary in the Ministry of National Security, believes that last yearﾴs problems resulted from ignorance of the law.
ﾓWhat we wanted to do this time, was to let the public know well in advance that there is a law that governs the use of the flag, the manufacturing and the sale of the flag, and more importantly there is a law and regulations that govern mutilation and defacement of the flag,ﾒ he said.
Last year, small vendors made variations of the Bahamian flag, experimenting with different colors, writings and images that marred the national symbol.
The authority that prohibits the improper handling and use of the flag is the, ﾑFlags and Coat of Arms Regulation.ﾴ.
The regulation notes that, if an individual mutilates, cuts, tears, burns or defaces the flag by writing, printing, or stamping; as well as verbally insulting the National Flag, he or she is guilty of an offence.
The regulation further explains that, one can be fined up to five hundred dollars, imprisoned for up to six months or both.
ﾠﾠMr. Deveaux-Isaacs noted the intent of the notice, is not to get the public frightened about possible penalties for the defacement of the flag.
ﾓIt is really to get them to be aware, that the flag is in fact covered by national law and the flying of the flag and the use of the flag must be done in such a way as to bring respect and high regard to the country,ﾒ he said.
According to the law, individuals should get permission from authorities to use the Coat of Arms or the Flag on any material that is produced or distributed.
Mrs. Chavasse Turnquest-Liriano, executive officer at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of National Security, advises that permission be sought early in the year to use the flag or Coat of Arms.
ﾓA lot of persons have been waiting a month, [a] couple [of] weeks prior to Independence to seek permission and they have already ordered their goods and therefore they run into difficulties,ﾒ she said.
ﾓSo, I urge the general public to submit as early as January or even from December the year before, to see if they are on the right track in getting permission,ﾒ she added.
Authorities pointed out that while these regulations should be enforced it is not their intent to stifle patriotism.
ﾓIt is your flag, and we donﾴt want to be seen trying to become policeman of the flag. It is your flag and you should want to celebrate Independence by flying this important national symbol, with respect and with honor,ﾒ Mr. Deveaux Isaacs said.
Tiffany Grant, The Bahama Journal
