Plane tail should be restored at NMIA roundabout
Published:Sunday | March 23, 2025 | 10:02 PM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Since PAC Kingston Airport Ltd announced a mural competition for the airport roundabout in Kingston, I have been giving this some thought. No doubt the open call will be very competitive, and I wonder how they’ll balance the variety of designs, in terms of size and scale, impact and cultural relevance, along with artistic merit, without blocking views entering and exiting the airport via the roundabout. It might also be very costly to produce, similar to a custom art sculpture.
Since the plane tail was removed, there was talk about erecting the Jamaican flag in its place, but I think this would be very boring for the round space. So would a welcome sign which is too generic. If a hoisted flag is required, it should be on the airport terminal building (or inside). They said the plane tail was rusting and no longer relevant. Some also found it confusing, since Air Jamaica is no longer around, and the newer design was not appealing. Although they indicated that the plane tail would not be part of the new design, it should be reconsidered.
Bring back the plane tail in a restored state, mount it on a base and paint the entire tail in the design of our flag, as if fully draped in the national colours. The design of the flag ought not be symmetrical, this would add visual interest, similar to a mural with the vibrant colours of green and gold, and black. It would also visible from every angle without obstructing views and should invoke a sense of national pride.
“The sun shineth; the land is green and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolism behind the flag. Green represents hope and agriculture resources, gold represents our natural resources and the beauty of the sun, and black pulls it all together, symbolising the strength and creativity of our people. Nowhere else in the world will you find an international airport with such a landmark design at its entrance, one that is both symbolic and authentically Jamaican.
P CHIN