<Tr> <Th> Use </Th> <Td> Naval ensign </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Proportion </Th> <Td> 1: 2 </Td> </Tr> <P> The flag of Trinidad and Tobago was adopted upon independence from the United Kingdom on 31 August 1962 . Designed by Carlisle Chang (1921--2001), the flag of Trinidad and Tobago was chosen by the independence committee of 1962 . Red, black and white symbolise fire (the sun, representing courage), earth (representing dedication) and water (representing purity and equality). </P> <P> The flag of Trinidad and Tobago is a red field with a white - edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist - side to the lower fly - side . In blazon, Gules, a bend Sable fimbriated Argent . </P>

What does the red white and black flag mean