The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

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

The principal shareholders of the GBPA, Sarah St George and Rupert Hayward, along with senior executives, and staff, attended the unveiling—the first of a series of events marking the milestone.

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

Sarah St George, acting chairman of GBPA and Port Group Ltd, said the sculpture is symbolic of the legacy and future of Freeport.

“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 said.

Sharing her interpretation of the unique art piece, she said: “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.”

Ms St George acknowledged that the city has gone through both hard times and good times over the past 70 years.

“2025 reminds us to be proud of all we have built in 70 years and to reflect on all we have accomplished and what we still need to accomplish,” she said.

The GBPA’s Public Art Initiative aims to bring awareness to the island’s rich marine life and ecosystem. There are other marine sculptures throughout the city, including the Stingray sculpture at the roundabout on Pioneer’s Way and the Coral Reef sculpture at the Coral Road and East Sunrise Way roundabout.

The city’s sculptures have become an integral feature for visitors to Grand Bahama, according to Ms St George. She said: “I am very proud that these city sculptures have now become a feature on visitor tours by bus, taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles.”

Jackie Boss, who specialises in public artwork for the GBPA, said the Hawksbill Turtle sculpture took about four months to complete.

“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 said.

The sculpture, made of concrete, is designed to withstand the elements, including heavy rains and hurricanes.

“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 Boss said.

She further described her artistic process and the importance of durable, weather-resistant materials in her work.

Ms Boss uses pigment mixed into the concrete so it will always maintain its colour. The last sculpture she created was a set of nine stingrays and a sea coral sculpture on East Sunrise Highway, which weighs about 1,000lb.

Boss, who incorporates recycled materials into her pieces, hopes her work will inspire others to explore art.

“You see, the turtles have mosaic in their head and fins. That is the style of art I would love to see more of around the city. A lot of pieces are recycled tiles that I put into concrete. I think if people see it, it would inspire them to have a go at it themselves.”

 Ms St George praised the dedication of those who have contributed to the city's growth, saying: “Your tireless work and consistent efforts to create better lives here are absolutely invaluable. You champion Freeport daily—often unsung, unobserved, humbly, and quietly, much like these magnificent turtles. Your presence enriches our lives, and I ask myself, where would we be without your loyalty and teamwork? You deserve to make this a very happy anniversary year.”

She said the public can expect many events planned by the GBPA throughout the year. A full schedule will soon be available on the GBPA website.