<P> The flag 's bright blue background symbolizes the Pacific Ocean , which plays an important 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 links with the United Kingdom . 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 ( upper third of a shield ) . 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 upper left is sugar cane , upper right is a coconut palm , the lower left a dove of peace , and the lower right a bunch of bananas . </P>
why is the union jack on the fiji flag
reflects the country 's links with the United Kingdom