The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) launched Freeport’s 70th-anniversary celebrations on Friday with unveiling an 850lb Hawksbill Turtle sculpture at its headquarters on Mall Drive.

Principal shareholders Sarah St George and Rupert Hayward, along with senior executives and staff, attended the event.

The concrete sculpture, created by local artist Jackie Boss, depicts a Hawksbill turtle with a baby turtle swimming beside it and is installed at the main intersection in downtown Freeport.

Sarah St George, acting chairman of GBPA and Port Group Ltd, said: “This year, 2025, is the 70th anniversary of the birth of Freeport. And it also happens that the Hawksbill Turtle gave its name to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement in 1955, which created a free trade zone that, in turn, led to the explosive growth of this new city. It made Grand Bahama the vibrant, cohesive, wonderful community that it is today.”

She added: “When you reach three score years and ten, it is a cause for celebration. We thought the turtle sculpture was a lovely symbol for this milestone. The next generation swims next to the older turtle, reminding us of the importance of continuity and cherishing our legacy. The turtles are in motion as we look to the future.”

The GBPA’s Public Art Initiative highlights the island’s rich marine life. Other marine sculptures include a stingray sculpture at the roundabout on Pioneer’s Way and a coral reef sculpture at the Coral Road and East Sunrise Way roundabout.

Jackie Boss explained: “I was asked to do a Hawksbill turtle for the 70th anniversary of Freeport. I started it last March and finished it in June. It has been waiting to be put in place for this event.” She continued, “The turtle behind us, the big one, is roughly 850 pounds, so it is not easy to move. I need to send a shout-out to the team of guys that manually lift these sculptures into place.”

Ms St George praised those who have contributed to the city’s growth and announced that the GBPA has many events planned throughout the year, with a full schedule to be available on its website.