fp Turks and Caicos

Inspired by kindergarten children, local artist Amiel Cartwright created a new centerpiece for the Airport Road roundabout featuring beloved local dolphin JoJo leaping into the air.

“It if wasn’t for Mr. Ralph Higgs, I wouldn’t have done this,” Cartwright said at the unveiling March 21 with Acting Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs.

“About two years he has been asking me, and I decided to do it,” said Cartwright, who volunteered to design the mural which is flanked by two huge flamingoes and Turks head cactuses.

“This is my heart and soul for my country, the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is my contribution. No one can pay me for this.”

With support from the Tourist Board, the project was sponsored and will be maintained by Dock Direct, and Cartwright pledged to keep the painting in top form.

“It is a very good first sight of the Turks and Caicos as our visitors leave the airport,” Higgs said. “I am particularly pleased that Cartwright has captured a dolphin, which symbolizes JoJo.”

Since 1987, JoJo has voluntarily interacted with humans in his own natural ocean environment around Providenciales. In 1989 he was declared a national treasure.

Companies from around the country have taken on the beautification of the main roundabouts on Providenciales over the last year.