- The Governor General of Canada
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Colin Alistair Mecum Fleming
London, England, United Kingdom
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 309
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Blazon
Arms
Per chevron Gules and Azure, in chief two lilies Argent and in base a white-tailed tropicbird (Phaeton lepturus) volant proper;
Crest
A goat's head Argent accorné Gules holding in its mouth a Bermudiana flower (Sisyrinchium bermudianum) proper;
Motto
PROVIDE ET IUSTE CONDECET CUNCTA DISPONERE;
Symbolism
Arms
Red is a favourite colour of Mr. Fleming’s, and blue represents the waters around his birthplace of Bermuda. Blue and red are also the colours of the Bermuda Regiment, in which Mr. Fleming performed his military service. The longtail tropic bird is associated with Bermuda, and the flowers have several meanings. First, they can represent Bermuda Easter lilies. Second, they can represent garden lilies, a symbol of Quebec, from where Mr. Fleming’s parents originated. Finally, as a traditional symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the lily makes a reference to Mr. Fleming’s Christian faith.
Crest
The Bermudiana flower is a further reference to Mr. Fleming’s birthplace. The goat’s head has been used by other Flemings as a crest.
Motto
PROVIDE ET IUSTE CONDECET CUNCTA DISPONERE is a phrase from the Rule of St. Benedict 3:6, and it means “To dispose of all things with prudence and justice”. The Rule is a continuing source of inspiration for Mr. Fleming, and the motto carries an extra reference to his profession as a Chartered Accountant.