House flag, Jamaica Banana Producers Steamship Co. Ltd

The House flag of the Jamaica Banana Producers Steamship Co. Ltd, Kingston, Jamaica. A green pennant with a yellow cross overall. In the quarters are the yellow initials 'J B P S'. The flag is made of a wool and synthetic fibre bunting. It has a cotton hoist and is machine sewn. A rope and toggle is attached.

The company was formed in 1929 as the Jamaica Direct Fruit Line by the Jamaica Banana Producers Association of Kingston (an organization of independent growers). Four steamers were purchased to transport passengers and general cargo from London to Rotterdam and Jamaica and ship back bananas to Europe- most banana boats had some passenger capacity.

In 1935 the line bought new ships to replace their second-hand tonnage and changed their name to the Jamaica Producers Steamship Company. The company flag, originally red with a white cross and the letters ‘J D F L’ in the quarters changed to green with a yellow cross and the new initials. Their ships sailed under the Jamaican Flag following that country’s independence in 1962. The Jamaican Government took over the company in 1977 and it ceased independent operation in 1980.

Object Details

ID: AAA0279
Collection: Textiles; Flags
Type: House flag
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 1955-1967; 1955-67
People: Jamaica Banana Producers Steamship Co Ltd; Pope, Charles Meredyth
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Pope Collection. We regret that Museum enquiries have not been able to identify the copyright owner of the flag's emblem and would welcome any information that would help us update our records. Please contact the Picture Library.
Measurements: flag: 914.4 x 1625.6 mm